Jan Huijbers and Isolde Struijk, Directors of Van den Herik Sliedrecht; and Jan Fransen, Executive Director Green Award © Green Award Binnenvaart, 2025
Sliedrecht, 27 October 2025 – During the official launch of the emission-free wire crane vessel Prins ZEs by Van den Herik Sliedrecht, Jan Fransen, Executive Director of the Green Award Foundation, announced that this innovative vessel is the first inland ship to receive a special recognition. Prins ZEs has obtained a Gold-level Green Award certificate, in combination with a Platinum label for Operations and a Platinum label for Propulsion. It is the first vessel ever to achieve a double platinum distinction within the Green Award programme.
This double platinum achievement highlights the vessel’s pioneering approach to sustainability. Powered by hydrogen as an energy carrier, Prins ZEs operates fully emission-free and sets a new benchmark for future-proof inland shipping and waterworks. Its design demonstrates how advanced technology can be successfully integrated into demanding operational environments while significantly reducing environmental impact.
“The Prins ZEs shows that sustainability, safety and innovation can go hand in hand,” said Jan Fransen.
This vessel is an excellent example of what can be achieved when ambition and responsible entrepreneurship come together.
With this certification, the Green Award Foundation recognizes Van den Herik Sliedrecht’s commitment to accelerating the transition towards cleaner inland shipping and encourages further adoption of zero-emission solutions across the sector.
The emission-free wire crane vessel Prins ZES of Van den Herik Sliedrecht © Van den Herik/Levi van de Lustgraaf, 2025
