Nike has revealed its latest environmentally friendly initiative: a unique hydrogen-powered inland container ship named “H₂ Barge 1.” The first of its kind, this innovative vessel will transport Nike products between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and the company’s Belgian logistics campus.
Reducing Emissions and Aiming for a Sustainable Future
The H₂ Barge 1 is expected to help reduce emissions by 2,000 tons each year it’s in operation. Nike has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its worldwide supply chain by 70% in its facilities and fleets, aligning with the Paris Climate Agreement. The company also requires its primary suppliers’ manufacturing and transport operations to keep emissions at or below 2020 levels, regardless of business growth. Nike’s ultimate goal is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
According to Nike, the hydrogen-powered ship is the only inland vessel that runs solely on hydrogen, eliminating CO2 emissions. This announcement comes after the Ship it Zero climate and public health group identified Nike as the top U.S. ocean import polluter in 2021, responsible for 87,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Creating a Quieter, More Comfortable Vessel
An improvement upon conventional diesel-fueled ships, H₂ Barge 1 provides a more comfortable environment for its crew. Retrofitting the vessel’s existing diesel engine with hydrogen-powered, emission-free technology resulted in a ship that releases only humid air and clean water. Furthermore, it operates much more quietly, thanks to reduced hull vibrations and heat.
Addressing Regional Emissions and Expanding Eco-Friendly Shipping Methods
Nike claims that 99% of containers sent to its European logistics campus from within the continent are transported by water, eliminating 14,000 truck journeys per year. Besides the hydrogen-powered barge, Nike is testing hydrogen trucks for customer deliveries across Europe and increasing its use of electric vans in major cities like Paris and London.
In collaboration with Dutch shipper Future Proof Shipping and hydrogen-air provider Air Liquide, Nike plans to launch H₂ Barge 1 in June. The vessel will operate within BCTN’s inland terminal network.
Improving Shipping Practices for a Greener World
Nike aims to curb emissions by using less air freight, aligning production schedules with ocean freight departures, reducing shipping cartons by 1.6 million pounds, and diversifying its distribution network to bring products closer to their final destinations. Tweaking global and regional shipping practices is an ongoing process; as Nike’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Noel Kinder, explains, “As we move toward 2025, our resolve is steady, and we’re in it for the long haul, committed to progress over perfection.”
Kinder reiterated the company’s dedication to collaboration and innovation in pursuing a greener future. “We know the odds of success increase when we approach a problem together with ingenuity and grit,” he said, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and determination in overcoming environmental challenges.
