The Beginning of PortLiner: From Vision to Action
In 2015, Ton van Meegen, founder of PortLiner, recognized the irreversible trend in inland shipping toward emission reduction and fleet sustainability. He developed innovations that gave PortLiner a competitive advantage in the field of zero-emission transport.
The Paris Agreement and the Green Deal
At the end of 2015, the Paris Agreement was signed, setting global targets for CO₂ reduction. These targets have direct implications for the transport sector, including inland shipping. In the Netherlands, the maritime sector’s Green Deal reinforced PortLiner’s vision that sustainable inland shipping is the future. The European Green Deal, presented at the end of 2020, sets out ambitious plans to green transport, with inland shipping clearly playing a key role.
NOx Reduction as a Priority for Inland Shipping
In the Netherlands, the reduction of NOx nitrogen emissions became a top priority in 2019. While agriculture remains a major source of NOx emissions, inland shipping is now also identified as a sector that must actively take measures to reduce emissions. These developments confirm PortLiner’s vision: emission-free shipping is the sustainable way forward.
PortLiner: A Pioneer in Emission-Free Inland Shipping
With our flow batteries and innovative technologies, PortLiner makes a significant contribution to the sustainability of the inland shipping sector. We offer scalable and cost-efficient solutions for both commercial vessels and mobile applications, thereby contributing to the broader energy transition.
Would you like to learn more about the benefits of flow batteries for emission-free inland shipping?
Contact PortLiner and discover how we are shaping the future of sustainable transport.
Initial idea for developing a zero-emission vessel concept for inland waterway transport
Foundation PortLiner company, launch of all-electric vessel concept based on containerized battery packs (lithium-ion).
Further development of vessel concept and “powerpacks”, EU grant award for rolling out the concept
Technology switch, away from lithium-ion and towards vanadium flow batteries
Development of alternative concept, working towards demo project
Finalizing development and building supply chain, including battery and stack supply
Finalizing Collaboration on the Assembly Plant for Product Rollout
Patent for E-Storage Pontoon, Charging Electrolyte on a Floating Barge up to 1 GWh
Design and concept Technical drawings for Pontoon and vessel
The year 2025 for building The Vessel and pontoon. Launching the first PortLiner zero emission vessel
Venture Capitalist and Financial- Strategic advisor
Founder Greenchoice
Renewable Energy Investor
PortLiner is an initiative by Ton van Meegen.
He has a long and impressive career in inland shipping, spanning both freight and passenger transport. His experience includes the development of new vessel designs and naval architecture. Over the past 20 years, Van Meegen has been involved in the development and (re)construction of approximately 36 vessels, with a total investment value exceeding €125 million.
From the headquarters in Huissen, in the Nijmegen–Arnhem region along the Rhine and Waal rivers, Van Meegen brings together multiple companies that collectively offer full expertise in inland shipping. These activities focus primarily on three areas: river cruising, intermodal transport, and ship design & naval architecture.
Ton van Meegen has been active in inland shipping since 1974. His choice of profession was no coincidence: the Van Meegen family has been involved in shipping since the 17th century.
He has a strong passion for ships and possesses extensive technical knowledge and broad experience across various sectors of the maritime industry, including ship design and naval architecture, shipbuilding, contracting and supervision, nautical management, and inland shipping operations.
