Tharsis Ship Management, a Dutch maritime firm, secured a €21 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund to advance its eSeaRiverBarge project, which aims to launch two zero-emission container ships on the route between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Project details and technology
The vessels will be purpose‑built for sea‑river transport and feature dedicated storage spaces in both the bow and stern for 16 swappable ISO “energy containers.” These containers are designed to hold a range of energy carriers, including batteries, hydrogen or ammonia, while two biofuel generators will serve as emergency power supplies.
In practice, the ships will rely primarily on batteries supplied by Zero Emission Services. The batteries, known as ZESpacks, operate under an Energy‑ and Charging‑as‑a‑Service (ECaaS) model.
When a ship reaches a designated charging station, the depleted battery modules can be swapped quickly for fully charged ones, allowing continuous zero‑emission operation along the inland route.
Connections between the batteries and the ship’s power system use Megawatt Charging System (MCS) connectors, enabling high‑power energy transfer. The open container decks can handle both 30‑ and 45‑foot freight containers, with a capacity of up to 378 TEU.
Timeline and construction plans
Construction of the two vessels is slated to begin in early 2027, with delivery and entry into service expected by 2029. While the specific shipyard has not yet been identified, the project stipulates that the ships will be built entirely within the European Union.
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Jan Albert Bosma, a representative of Tharsis Ship Management, said the EU funding “is a major milestone” that will enable the company to “build, deploy, and operate these vessels, proving how innovative technologies like swappable energy containers and hybrid propulsion can decarbonise coastal and inland shipping in full commercial operations.”
According to the project documentation, this will be the first zero‑emission container liner service of its kind for sea‑river transport, a niche market that links European seaports directly with inland terminals.
The introduction of swappable battery containers could simplify logistics for shippers who currently rely on diesel‑powered vessels for short‑haul routes. By reducing the need for on‑board fuel storage and allowing rapid turnaround at charging hubs, the technology may lower operating costs and improve schedule reliability, especially during peak freight periods.
The pilot will start in 2029.
In the broader context, the eSeaRiverBarge project reflects a growing trend among European maritime operators to pursue low‑carbon solutions. The EU Innovation Fund, which backs the initiative, focuses on technologies that can be scaled across the continent’s transport network.