Logistics company Samskip and Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST) have launched the Green Shore Power initiative, which aims to drastically reduce CO2 emissions produced by vessels docked by providing new clean shore powered energy solutions.
The joint initiative is said to show what could be achieved by companies joining forces in the energy transition towards CO2 neutrality. The shore power solution is said to be the first of its kind for a container terminal in the Netherlands ports.
In a demonstration, the vessel Samskip Innovator showed the smooth transition between ship power and the new shore power. The shore power endeavour was largely possible through the expertise of Harbour Electronical Services (HES) which both prepared and outfitted the Samskip shortsea vessel to receive shore power. The power supply unit at the quay of RST has been installed by Jolectra.
Onshore power supply systems are considered a critical step towards the decarbonisation of the shipping sector. Given that docked vessels currently leave engines running to generate onboard electricity while burning oil constantly, the impact of green onshore power becomes abundantly clear. For the entire shipping sector, shore-side electricity is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 5 megatons of CO2 per year (3.7% of global shipping emissions).
With this innovation, Samskip says it takes a leading position in preparing for the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which will require shore-power connectivity from 2030 on.
Samskip Head of Fleet Management – Vessel, Erik Hofmeester, said: “There are many ways to reduce CO2, such as Samskip vessels using bio-fuel, the CO2 capturing systems also installed on Samskip vessels, WASP (Wind Assisted Ships Propulsion) and last but not least shore power. Green shore power facilitates clean and silent ship-operations in the ports of Rotterdam. We have set ambitious decarbonisation targets for the upcoming years, with a clear aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. Remarkably, this goal puts us a decade ahead of the legally mandated requirement for the maritime industry, which is currently set at 2050. We will also continue to use all our resources to protect the future of our company, our customers and partners and our planet”.
RST CEO Arno Storm said: “RST is committed to be a frontrunner in energy transition and is taking a leading role in the port of Rotterdam to work on practical solutions to serve the planet and RST’s customers. I am truly proud to be able to say that we are the first container terminal in the Netherlands which has a shore power connection. For me, keying in on the path towards CO2 neutrality means partnering with customers and suppliers and I am thrilled that together with Samskip, HES and Jolectra, we have been able to take a first step. Furthermore, I would like to extend my gratitude towards the Port of Rotterdam authorities who have played an active role in the support and establishment of this pilot”.
