Shore power in Rotterdam
The port of Rotterdam is working on the transition from fossil energy to sustainable energy. Shore power is an important aspect of this. Every year, some tens of thousands of vessels put in at the port of Rotterdam.
Moored at the quay, these vessels still use their generators for the energy required on board. The generators emit particulate matter, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Shore power makes reducing these emissions possible by providing a clean energy source for these vessels.
Shore power studies at terminals in the port of Rotterdam
In order to further introduce shore-side electricity in the port of Rotterdam, we are conducting 4 studies to prepare Onshore Power Supply systems (OPS). This is done at four major terminals in the port of Rotterdam; ECT (Amazonehaven), APMT2 (Amaliahaven), VOPAK (Botlek) and the Cruise terminal (Wilhelminakade).
Approach to shore-based power
The municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority conduct a joint strategy and development programme to accelerate and scale up shore power for sea-going vessels, with the aim of having a high percentage of sea-going vessels plugged in at the quay by 2030. Diesel generators can then be switched off, which is favourable for air quality and carbon neutrality. In the next five years, the municipality and the port together with the companies in the port and the shipping companies will be working on accelerating and scaling up shore power. Depending on the experiences gained by these efforts, the targets can be adjusted in 2025.
Three pillars
Various sections of vessels already have the right configuration that makes the transition to shore power possible and scaling up of shore power easy. In other sections, however, this is more difficult, or connecting to shore power is not possible at all for technical reasons. Innovation and standardisation are therefore necessary for these sections. For the improvement of air quality, reduction of nitrogen deposition, and making shipping more sustainable, we opt for wide development based on three pillars:
- Focus on the living environment quality;
- Big steps forward where this is possible;
- Encouraging innovation and standardisation where this is required.
Shore power strategy
Download the joint strategy of the municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
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