Recap RH2INE Annual Conference 2025: From Ambition to Action
The RH2INE Annual Conference 2025 brought together 150 partners, policymakers and frontrunners in Utrecht on the 26th of November at LEF Future Center Rijkswaterstaat. The participants gathered for a full day dedicated to one shared mission: accelerating hydrogen-powered inland shipping in the Rhine Corridor. Since January 2025 WaterstofNet took over the RH2INE secretariat. With this year’s theme - “From Ambition to Action” - the program focused on concrete progress, cross-border collaboration and the next steps needed to scale up zero-emission solutions.
The conference opened with a warm welcome at Rijkswaterstaat from Mattie Busch (Director Network Development, Rijkswaterstaat Central Netherlands) and André van Schie (Deputy Commissioner Mobility, Province of Utrecht), followed by a status update on the RH2INE project by Tom Verlinden (WaterstofNet). The morning sessions offered interactive deep dives into key challenges and opportunities, ranging from subsidy incentives and a tanktainer pool to emerging zero-emission markets and a roadbook for inland terminals. “The strong engagement during these sessions reflected a community eager to move forward,” dixit Tom Verlinden, RH2INE Project Director.
Healthier environments
In the afternoon, political leaders from the Netherlands; Robert Tieman (Minister of Infrastructure & Water Management) North Rhine-Westphalia; Paul Höller (State Secretary, Economic Affairs, Industry NRW) and Flanders Annick De Ridder (Minister of Mobility, Public Works, Ports & Sport) highlighted their commitment to cross-border cooperation - a crucial foundation for building a scalable hydrogen corridor. Their joint message underscored the importance of aligning policy, infrastructure and industry efforts to accelerate decarbonisation and create healthier, more sustainable environments along the Rhine Corridor, as one of Europe’s most vital transport arteries - stretching over 1,230 kilometers from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea.
Momentum for early deployers
Industry frontrunners then took the stage to share how they are already putting hydrogen into practice. Representatives from HTS, CONTARGO and Future Proof Shipping offered hands-on insights into early deployment. Their experiences showcased that real momentum is building on the ground. Looking ahead, RH2INE presented its ambitions beyond 2025, outlining a roadmap that combines technical development, market readiness and continued international alignment and the creation of a living lab among others. The Steering Committee closed the event by encouraging partners to maintain today’s energy and keep pushing the transition forward together.
Tom Verlinden concluded: “With inspiring contributions and active dialogue throughout the day, the RH2INE Annual Conference 2025 demonstrated that the region is not only ambitious - it is ready for action!”
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