Nobian and VERVAEKE launch Europe’s first ADR certified hydrogen truck in sustainable chemical transport pilot

Nobian and VERVAEKE have taken an important step toward zero-emission chemical logistics with the launch of a hydrogen-powered transport pilot for essential chemicals in the Netherlands. The pilot involves the first ADR-approved hydrogen-powered truck operating in Europe, complying with European ADR regulations for the safe transport of hazardous materials and chemical substances.

As the chemical industry accelerates its transition to low-carbon operations, alternatives to diesel-powered transport remain limited, particularly for ADR-classified products such as caustic soda and hydrochloric acid. New technological developments now make it possible to deploy hydrogen-powered trucks for the safe transportation of essential chemicals.

In February 2026, Nobian and VERVAEKE began their collaboration on the hydrogen truck pilot to help remove an important barrier to deploying zero-emission trucks in ADR-classified chemical logistics. Thanks to hydrogen’s long range, fast refuelling, and lower vehicle weight compared to battery-electric options, the new hydrogen truck can safely and efficiently transport a wide range of Nobian’s large-volume essential chemicals. The pilot represents a meaningful step in reducing Nobian’s transport-related CO₂ emissions.

The three-year pilot will initially operate on routes around Rotterdam but may expand as the hydrogen refuelling network grows. The truck is expected to drive approximately 100,000 kilometres per year, replacing a diesel truck and enabling an estimated reduction of 88.5 tonnes of CO₂ per 100,000 kilometres. Through co-developing this project, Nobian underscores its commitment to accelerating sustainable, low-emission logistics for chemical products.

Rein Hendriks, director business planning at Nobian, described the hydrogen pilot as perfectly aligned with the company’s sustainability ambitions. He stated that Nobian is committed to taking decisive steps toward a future-proof, zero-emission logistics chain, and noted that with hydrogen infrastructure and technology advancing, there is significant potential for hydrogen as an enabler of safe, low-emission transport of essential chemicals.

Frédéric Derumeaux, CEO of VERVAEKE, emphasised that innovation and safety must go hand in hand, particularly in chemical logistics. He described the collaboration with Nobian as an important step toward cleaner, future-proof transport, noting that hydrogen provides clear advantages over electric trucks for long-distance operations. Derumeaux stated that the pilot demonstrates that zero-emission logistics in liquid bulk transport is not only feasible, but a realistic alternative.

For Nobian, the hydrogen truck pilot represents a logical next step. The company previously supported the construction of the Ms. Antonie, the first inland vessel in the Netherlands designed to enable transport powered by green hydrogen. The vessel is intended to transport salt without CO₂ emissions and was developed with partners including Nedstack, Lenten Scheepvaart, Concordia Damen, and NPRC.

Together, these projects mark important milestones in scaling hydrogen-powered logistics and reflect Nobian’s ongoing efforts to advance low-emission transport.

For more information visit www.nobian.com