Parkkade berths
The Port Authority is building secure walkways along the public quays at Parkkade. This is a measure to ensure safety. The new berths will be equipped with shore power, which will also improve the quality of the living environment.
What is going to happen?
Two walkways equipped with security gates will be constructed at the four public berths for shipping on Parkkade along the Nieuwe Maas in the centre of Rotterdam. The seagoing vessels docked there will no longer be publicly accessible and this measure ensures compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).
When will this happen?
The construction is underway and will be completed in January 2025. During this time, the Port of Rotterdam Authority will try to provide vessels that require a short-term berth with an alternative.
Why is this necessary?
This measure means the public berths for seagoing vessels at the Parkkade conform to the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code), which came into effect in 2004. The approximately 170 terminals at the port of Rotterdam that are connected to the sea were already subject to high security measures and the identity of those embarking and disembarking the seagoing vessels is carefully checked. Public waiting sites are considered ‘low-risk sites’. At these quays, freight and hazardous substances are not permitted to be transhipped or delivered.
Parkkade plays an essential role in the port of Rotterdam. The quay is used by seagoing vessels as a place to wait for a berth to become available, to allow passengers or crew to embark or disembark, or to undergo inspections. At this quay seagoing vessels are also obliged to register anyone embarking or disembarking the vessel and prevent unauthorised persons from embarking. Each year, around 1200 seagoing vessels use Parkkade, where their stay is usually shorter than one day. Maintaining the public berths reduces unnecessary ship movements in the port and therefore improves sustainability and security on the water.
Shore power
The secured jetties at the Parkkade are being equipped with shore power. Vessels using the renovated berths will therefore be able to use shore power immediately upon arrival. Two years after construction is completed, it will be mandatory for vessels to use shore power. The use of shore power instead of generators on board improves the local living environment by reducing air and noise pollution.