GTL stands for Gas To Liquids. The GTL production process is based on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, which was developed in the 1920s by Frans Fischer and Hans Tropsch. Natural gas is converted to make this GTL Fuel. Over the coming years, increasing quantities of GTL Fuel will become available, and will help to reduce the emissions of road and waterway transport.

After a series of tests on land with the new alternative fuel, this is its first maritime trial. Pon Power, supplier of the Caterpillar engines and generator sets on board the Dokter Wagemaker, had conducted a set of tests on its engine test bench prior to this fuel trial. These tests confirmed that the use of GTL Fuel reduces NOx, SOx and particulate emissions.

The Netherlands is working on the transition towards a more sustainable energy economy, and the trialling of GTL Fuel on board the Dokter Wagemaker is contributing towards this. It is an initiative of New Energy Docks and is being conducted in partnership with Teso, Shell and Pon Power. The European Union and the Province of North Holland are providing financial support under the LEADER+ programme.