VERVAEKE, European leader in tank transportation for the chemical, petrochemical and gas industries, has taken a bold step toward the decarbonisation of chemical transport with the introduction of the first ADR approved hydrogen powered truck operating in Europe. Developed in close partnership with Nobian, the project demonstrates that the strict safety requirements governing hazardous materials logistics can be fully aligned with sustainability and operational excellence. By deploying this hydrogen truck in active chemical logistics, VERVAEKE shows that zero emission technology is now ready to meet the demanding regulations of ADR transport.
“Introducing the first ADR certified hydrogen truck into our fleet is more than an innovation milestone—it is proof that sustainability, safety and quality can reinforce each other,” says Frédéric Derumeaux, CEO of VERVAEKE. “We are proud to lead the sector in demonstrating that clean technologies are fully compatible with the strict operational standards of chemical transport.”
Hydrogen: a practical and future proof solution for heavy duty chemical transport
Hydrogen offers a unique combination of long range, efficient payload capacity and rapid refuelling—performance characteristics essential for large volume chemical distribution. These attributes make hydrogen particularly suited to ADR classified logistics, where weight, uptime, and operational flexibility are critical.
In this pilot, launched in collaboration with salt and chemicals producer Nobian, the hydrogen truck will initially operate routes in the Rotterdam region. With an expected annual mileage of around 100,000 kilometres, the vehicle replaces a conventional diesel truck and reduces CO₂ emissions to zero in a transport segment where sustainable alternatives remain scarce.
“This hydrogen pilot supports Nobian’s sustainability ambitions and accelerates the shift to a future-proof, zero-emission logistics chain, with hydrogen offering clear potential for safe, low emission transport of essential chemicals,” says Rein Hendriks, Director Business Planning at Nobian. “This project shows how close collaboration across the value chain turns ambition into real world impact as we Grow Greener together with our partners.”
Delivering sustainability without compromise
For VERVAEKE, the introduction of hydrogen technology is part of a wider strategy to build a more sustainable logistics future while upholding the company’s long standing leadership in safety and quality.
Key benefits of the hydrogen truck include:
• ADR certified design, ensuring full compatibility with hazardous goods transport
• Zero tailpipe emissions, supporting the chemical sector’s decarbonisation goals
• Fast refuelling, enabling seamless integration into existing logistics schedules
• Lower vehicle weight compared to battery electric alternatives, preserving payload capacity
• High operational availability, essential for mission critical chemical deliveries
A collaborative push for industry transformation
This hydrogen pilot reflects strong cooperation between VERVAEKE, Nobian and technology partners. It demonstrates how joint commitment and aligned expertise can accelerate the transition toward cleaner transport solutions.
“As hydrogen infrastructure expands and technology evolves, we see great potential to scale up,” adds Frédéric Derumeaux. “This pilot is only the beginning—we are committed to driving forward sustainable innovation in ADR logistics.”
March 13, 2026
“Introducing the first ADR certified hydrogen truck into our fleet is more than an innovation milestone—it is proof that sustainability, safety and quality can reinforce each other,” says Frédéric Derumeaux, CEO of VERVAEKE. “We are proud to lead the sector in demonstrating that clean technologies are fully compatible with the strict operational standards of chemical transport.”
Hydrogen: a practical and future proof solution for heavy duty chemical transport
Hydrogen offers a unique combination of long range, efficient payload capacity and rapid refuelling—performance characteristics essential for large volume chemical distribution. These attributes make hydrogen particularly suited to ADR classified logistics, where weight, uptime, and operational flexibility are critical.
In this pilot, launched in collaboration with salt and chemicals producer Nobian, the hydrogen truck will initially operate routes in the Rotterdam region. With an expected annual mileage of around 100,000 kilometres, the vehicle replaces a conventional diesel truck and reduces CO₂ emissions to zero in a transport segment where sustainable alternatives remain scarce.
“This hydrogen pilot supports Nobian’s sustainability ambitions and accelerates the shift to a future-proof, zero-emission logistics chain, with hydrogen offering clear potential for safe, low emission transport of essential chemicals,” says Rein Hendriks, Director Business Planning at Nobian. “This project shows how close collaboration across the value chain turns ambition into real world impact as we Grow Greener together with our partners.”
Delivering sustainability without compromise
For VERVAEKE, the introduction of hydrogen technology is part of a wider strategy to build a more sustainable logistics future while upholding the company’s long standing leadership in safety and quality.
Key benefits of the hydrogen truck include:
• ADR certified design, ensuring full compatibility with hazardous goods transport
• Zero tailpipe emissions, supporting the chemical sector’s decarbonisation goals
• Fast refuelling, enabling seamless integration into existing logistics schedules
• Lower vehicle weight compared to battery electric alternatives, preserving payload capacity
• High operational availability, essential for mission critical chemical deliveries
A collaborative push for industry transformation
This hydrogen pilot reflects strong cooperation between VERVAEKE, Nobian and technology partners. It demonstrates how joint commitment and aligned expertise can accelerate the transition toward cleaner transport solutions.
“As hydrogen infrastructure expands and technology evolves, we see great potential to scale up,” adds Frédéric Derumeaux. “This pilot is only the beginning—we are committed to driving forward sustainable innovation in ADR logistics.”
March 13, 2026
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