The Netherlands launched the world’s first commercial electric inland shipping system with swappable batteries, reducing emissions and shifting cargo from roads to waterways.

The Netherlands has launched the world’s first commercial electric inland shipping system using swappable batteries, operational near Rotterdam. Vessels like the MS Den Bosch Max Groen swap depleted batteries for charged ones in 15 minutes at terminals, enabling continuous zero-emission operation. The system, developed by Zero Emission Services and Inland Terminals Group, cuts CO2, nitrogen, and particulate emissions, with each ship saving about 800 tonnes of CO2 annually. Currently active at three terminals with plans to expand to 10 by 2026 and scale to 50 vessels, the network uses green electricity and charges based on usage. The Netherlands, a leader in inland freight transport, aims to shift cargo from roads to waterways. Though more costly than diesel, developers expect prices to drop with wider adoption, and the model is inspiring similar efforts globally.