The CleanTour alliance, part of the RUBIN consortium, has produced a comprehensive innovation concept that aims to transform inland water tourism into a fully hydrogen‑based, climate‑neutral sector. The concept, submitted to the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) on 30 October 2023 for expert review, outlines a modular technology platform that integrates hydrogen propulsion, onboard power, heating, and the necessary port infrastructure. The platform is designed to be scalable and adaptable to a range of vessel types, from small houseboats to larger ferries, and to support the development of new products and services that reduce emissions and noise while improving water quality.
Key technical outcomes include the design of several hydrogen‑based solutions. The H2 retrofit kit (HIT) enables the conversion of existing diesel‑powered vessels to zero‑emission operation. The hydrogen drive shaft (H2A) and hydrogen onboard power system (H2B) provide propulsion and electrical supply for vessels, while the EH2 concept delivers hybrid hydrogen fuel‑cell‑powered charter houseboats. A scalable 5 kW fuel‑cell system (BBZ) has been developed to power small vessels and support infrastructure needs. These solutions build on the successful delivery of the Elektra electric propulsion boat by the shipyard Hermann Barthel GmbH, which demonstrated the feasibility of fuel‑cell technology in a marine environment. The project also identified a substantial market and revenue potential across Germany and Europe, supported by the hydrogen strategy of Saxony‑Anhalt, which is expanding hydrogen networks and storage facilities to create a favorable regulatory and infrastructural backdrop.
The project’s scientific foundation rests on the recognition that current inland shipping and motorised water tourism rely almost exclusively on fossil‑fuel engines, which contribute to CO₂ emissions, noise pollution, and the introduction of harmful oils into waterways. Hydrogen propulsion offers a clean alternative that eliminates these impacts and enhances water quality over the long term. The CleanTour alliance has mapped out the functional requirements of fuel‑cell generator systems for maritime use, noting that they must meet diesel‑generator performance while addressing additional safety considerations inherent to hydrogen and battery systems. The alliance’s research agenda includes the development of new propulsion concepts, the testing of hydrogen systems in pilot projects, and the creation of a knowledge base that can be transferred to industry partners.
Collaboration has been central to the project’s progress. More than 15 partners, including the shipyard Hermann Barthel GmbH, the Zentrum für Produkt‑, Verfahren‑ und Prozessinnovation (ZPVP) in Magdeburg, and other industry and research stakeholders, participated in a series of interdisciplinary workshops held between April and September 2023. These workshops covered competence mapping, customer needs, market and competition analysis, alliance vision, product strategy, and organisational structure. The alliance established a core project team to coordinate activities, drafted a partnership agreement, and defined management roles and responsibilities. The project’s timeline culminated in the submission of the CleanTour innovation concept to the BMBF, with the expectation that a positive evaluation will lead to targeted implementation of the outlined R&D projects.
In summary, the CleanTour alliance has produced a detailed, hydrogen‑centric technology platform that promises to make inland water tourism sustainable and climate‑neutral. The technical deliverables—retrofit kits, drive shafts, onboard power systems, and scalable fuel‑cell units—are backed by a robust collaboration framework and a clear pathway for future research and market deployment. The project’s alignment with regional hydrogen strategies and its focus on workforce development position it to become a model for green maritime innovation across Europe.