News
First-year students design sustainable inland shipping of the future
Inspired by the Path2Zero research project, first-year students at NHL Stenden set to work on the question: what does emission-free inland shipping of the future look like?
In multidisciplinary teams, the students designed a modular inland vessel and investigated four sustainable energy concepts: batteries, methanol, LOHC, and sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). In doing so, they looked not only at the technical possibilities but also at economic feasibility and practical applicability.
During a test and presentation day in Leeuwarden, the students demonstrated their self-developed scale models. The project shows how students are working on current issues within the maritime energy transition starting from their very first year of study.
Aligning PhD and postdoc research
On 3 Juli 2026 the PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers of PATH2ZERO came together for the Aligning PhD and Postdoc Research within PATH2ZERO session.
The eight PhD researchers each gave a 10-minute presentation on their research, providing valuable insights into the different research themes within the project and highlighting opportunities for collaboration.
We also welcomed our new postdoctoral researcher, Hesam Naghash (TU Delft), who joined the project in April. His work focuses on connecting the different modelling activities within PATH2ZERO, helping to integrate vessel-level, operational and system-level analyses.
A valuable session to better understand each other’s research and strengthen collaboration as we work towards zero-emission inland shipping.
Opening AI RDM SusTech Datalab
On 14 April 2026, the AI SusTech Datalab was officially opened at RDM Campus Rotterdam by, among others, Klara Paardenkooper. It was an inspiring afternoon where research, technology, and collaboration came together around one central theme: digital twins and data-driven innovation.
Within PATH2ZERO, we are developing a multi-level digital twin for inland shipping. The new datalab demonstrates how these ambitions are becoming reality: a place where data, AI, and real-world practice come together to accelerate the transition towards zero-emission and resilient inland shipping.
During the opening, several key messages stood out:
- the role of digital twins in managing complex infrastructure
- the importance of data integration and validation for building reliable models
- and how collaboration between education, research, and industry drives innovation
The AI SusTech Datalab is an important step in strengthening the connection between research and real-world application—exactly what PATH2ZERO is all about.
PATH2ZERO Consortium Meeting
2 April 2026 we met for a PATH2ZERO consortium session at Firma van Buiten, focusing on the ongoing work within the project towards zero emission inland shipping by 2050.
During the morning, different work packages shared their progress. Topics ranged from governance and digital twins to emission aware decision making and vessel design. It gave a clear overview of how the different parts of the project are evolving.
It was interesting to see how topics like operational decision making, vessel design and infrastructure are being explored in parallel, each highlighting a different part of the transition.
Thanks to the PhD researchers presenting their work. We ended the session with lunch and informal conversations.
Reflecting on the Ports and Waterways Conference 2026
From 4–6 February 2026, the second Ports and Waterways Conference took place at TU Delft, bringing together researchers and industry professionals to discuss the future of ports and inland waterways. The conference focused on climate adaptation, infrastructure, digitalisation, and the energy transition in inland waterway transport.
Several PATH2ZERO consortium partners contributed to the programme. Alex Kirichek and Mark van Koningsveld (TU Delft) shared insights on emission reduction, the energy transition, and port and waterway infrastructure. Khalid Tachi (Expertise- en InnovatieCentrum Binnenvaart) presented on investment strategies and policy measures for decarbonising Europe’s inland fleet.
Other consortium partners, including the Port of Rotterdam, Rijkswaterstaat, and CE Delft, contributed their expertise on topics such as emission monitoring, modelling, asset management, and system transitions. The conference also featured interactive workshops on simulation, machine learning, sediment dynamics, and waterway modelling.
Path2Zero at the RDM Campus
On 3 December 2025, partners, stakeholders, and researchers gathered at the RDM Campus for the Path2Zero Data Symposium & Workshop Day, organised by Hogeschool Rotterdam and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. Through sessions and working groups, participants explored the digital foundations of the transition toward zero-emission inland shipping, ranging from digital twins to data management and shared infrastructures.
Researchers and supervisors shared progress and insights across multiple research lines, including governance and system transitions, modelling, optimisation, and infrastructure challenges. Combined with the expertise of industry partners, this provided a clear perspective on what is required to translate data into actionable decision-making and strategic direction.
The day highlighted the strength of collaboration. Path2Zero continued to build a shared foundation for a future-proof, zero-emission inland shipping sector.