Decarbonizing the Swiss Waterways
Biofuels that reduce the environmental impact of vessels on Swiss lakes and rivers.
Industry challenge
Inland shipping has long been seen as an efficient way to move goods, but it now faces pressure to cut its environmental impact.
Alongside Swiss climate laws, transport on the Rhine, the most important waterway in Europe, is regulated by the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR), which requires a 35% cut in greenhouse gases and pollutants by 2035, with near‑zero emissions by 2050, in line with Switzerland's net‑zero target under the Climate and Innovation Act (KlG).
On top of these long‑term goals, immediate rules such as the CCNR's 2024 ban on vessel degassing are already affecting daily operations and air quality. Swiss vessel operators must adapt today while planning major investments to meet ambitious decarbonization targets in the decades ahead.
Our solution
Drop‑in fuels, ready today.
To meet decarbonization challenges in Swiss waterways, Nesource provides immediately deployable solutions without requiring new engine technology or infrastructure: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
Technology & feedstock
HVO is produced using hydroprocessing, in which non‑edible waste such as used cooking oils is reacted with hydrogen under high temperatures and pressures to produce a hydrocarbon fuel. HVO serves as a drop‑in diesel substitute, cutting lifecycle emissions by up to 80% while remaining fully engine‑compatible.
Applications
Where it works.
- 01
Cargo vessels
- 02
Passenger boats
- 03
Ferry services
- 04
Workboats
Major regulations
- Climate and Innovation Act (KlG)
- Third CO₂ Act (2025–30)
- CO₂ Ordinance
- Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR)
- CCNR Emission Reduction Roadmap
Key benefits
- Up to 80% CO₂ reduction compared to fossil fuel
- Compatible with existing infrastructure
- Certified under ISCC standards
- Flexible supply and transparent traceability
Quality & certification
Verified end to end.
All biofuels supplied by Nesource meet EN 14214 and EN 15940 fuel standards and hold sustainability certifications under ISCC schemes. Each batch is traceable from feedstock to delivery.
Q & A