On the grounds of C. Steinweg – Handelsveem B.V.’s (Steinweg) Beatrix port in the Eemhaven area near Rotterdam, a pilot project involving a movable facility for shore-based hydrogen power for Cargow’s MPP (Multipurpose) vessels scheduled to arrive twice a week is scheduled to commence in late 2022.
Tendering begins in February. The pilot is part of a collaboration between the Municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority to increase the usage of shore-based power in the port.
The collaboration began in December 2019 with the commencement of a trial project at Parkkade to supply electricity to small sea-going vessels via the quay, or’shore-based power,’ as it is referred to. The crew will no longer be required to operate the on-board diesel generators, resulting in decreased air pollution and noise.
Portable shore-based energy
Several viable concepts were tested in real-world settings over a five-month period as part of the pilot. Data on energy consumption was gathered, as well as pollutants and noise levels. The pilot demonstrated that it is technically feasible to supply shore-based electricity to seagoing vessels using mobile ideas. The findings will be utilized to establish a permanent connection at Lloydkade and, in the future, one at Parkkade. These findings also serve as justification for the imminent initiation of mobile shore power trials at the Steinweg location in Beatrixhaven.
Pilot Cargow / Steinweg
The integration of any present or prospective shore-based electricity has been omitted from the majority of original terminal designs. Cranes, crane tracks, and bollards adjacent frequently obstruct the installation of equipment and cabinets for shore-based power and complicate the process of connecting cables between vessels and terminals. To identify and remove such impediments, the municipality’s shore-based power project team and PoR intend to conduct a test at Steinweg as a follow-up to the Parkkade pilot. Within the context of the energy transition, an autonomous, mobile installation powered by non-fossil fuel (hydrogen) will be tested.
At sea port terminals, where expenditures in shore-based power are less clear, mobile solutions are necessary. Additionally, tests are being conducted on a scalable cable management system. At quays with limited space, the system should optimize power supply between the quay and the vessel (at container terminals, for instance). Additionally, initiatives are being taken to get a better understanding of vessel consumption, to enable technical design optimization, and to contain investment costs in order to provide quayside shore-based power.
Steinweg will clear the necessary space at the terminal for the pilot to land safely. Additionally, it will apply for a permit and secure the work area with fencing. In operating conditions, Cargow will adapt two of its vessels to run on shore-based electricity. Steinweg and Cargow will get some compensation from the town and the Port Authority for the project.
Rotterdam’s shore-based energy
For more than a decade, inland shipping has made extensive use of shore-based electricity in Rotterdam. Shore-based power generation for sea-going transportation is complicated, as electricity demand is considerable and these boats visit a variety of ports. Additionally, many seagoing vessels lack the necessary connections to utilize shore-based power. We are partnering with other ports as part of the shore-based power program to develop connection standards for smaller sea-going vessels.
Additionally, the container ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp, Bremen, Hamburg, and Haropa (including Le Havre) are coordinating their shore-based energy plans, which will result in standardisation, cost reduction, and an acceleration of shore-based energy consumption. The Stena Line terminal in Hoek van Holland in the Port of Rotterdam is powered by shore power. Heerema will also inaugurate a shore-based power station at Landtong Rozenburg this year for its offshore vessels.
The potential for maritime shipping powered by shore-based energy
According to DNV GL and the Port Authority, the overall energy consumption of sea-going vessels in the port is between 750 and 850 GWh. This is the equivalent of around 200,000 homes’ energy consumption. This indicates that significant gains in terms of air quality, livability, and climate are possible. The Port of Rotterdam is preparing for the shift to cleaner shipping through a collaborative plan.
