Rotterdam unveils shore-based power strategy for sea-going vessels

The Municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have announced their co-operation on the joint rollout of shore-based power for sea-going vessels in the city.

By 2030, they want a significant share of sea-going vessels to "plug in" once they have moored along one of the port’s quays, according to a statement.

This will improve local air quality and the vessels’ carbon footprint

This will allow them to power down their diesel generators while berthed, which will improve local air quality and the vessels’ carbon footprint.

Over the next five years, the partners will be initiating a series of projects that are intended to accelerate and scale up the adoption of shore-based power. Depending on the experiences gained in these projects, the Municipality and the Port Authority may adapt their targets in this area in 2025, according to an announcement.

 The plan is a crucial step forward for sustainability in the port.

Arno Bonte, Rotterdam’s vice mayor for sustainability, clean air and energy transition, believes the plan is a crucial step forward for sustainability in the port. "Shore-based power allows us to connect vessels to a clean source of power. This prevents both air pollution and noise nuisance – which will improve conditions for local residents and for the surrounding nature areas," he explains.

Eight to ten shore-based power projects

Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, added, "We will be setting up eight to ten shore-based power projects for a variety of sea-going vessel types. We will be doing this in partnership with companies in the port area and with the shipping companies that use our port. We will continually monitor the results of these projects to learn whether we can speed up the process or need to take a bit more time."

By 2030, Rotterdam’s shore-based strategy could result in carbon savings of approximately 200,000 tonnes per year

Every year, sea-going vessels moored along Rotterdam’s quays consume as much electric power as 250,000 to 300,000 households. And in the process, they release various harmful emissions into the atmosphere, including 600,000 tonnes of CO2 and 8,000 tonnes of nitrogen. By 2030, Rotterdam’s shore-based strategy could result in carbon savings of approximately 200,000 tonnes per year, according to the announcement.

In view of the variety of vessel types and mooring locations involved, the partners have based their shore-based strategy on three different pillars.

In the case of container vessels, the ambition has been set at a 50% adoption of shore-based power by large vessels (10,000+ TEU) as of 2030.

In the years ahead, the aim is to realise eight to ten concrete shore-based projects, which will be divided between the programme’s three main pillars, said the Port of Rotterdam in its announcement.

Funding the Programme to a total investment of some €125 million (US$147 million)

This programme is expected to require a total investment of some €125 million (US$147 million). The majority of this budget will be contributed by the companies involved, the Municipality and the Port Authority, nevertheless, around €50 million (US$59 million) will need to be covered by public funding.