The Port of Rotterdam Authority called the Dutch Government to create a coalition with countries in North-West Europe, so that a joint CO2 price can be introduced. The Port Authority also announced an incentive of in total 5 million euros for vessel operators experimenting with low-carbon or zero-carbon fuels.
Port Authority CEO Allard Castelein said:
The Government is currently focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gases. In order to switch to a new energy system, as a Government you also need an integral vision and a corresponding industrial policy for the new economy, the future industrial landscape and the type of R&D required to achieve that. I also think that this is an important task for the Government. So: international pricing, national stimulation.
The Port Authority also presented a study, showing that marine and inland transport with Rotterdam as the destination or departure point is responsible for emissions of around 25 million tons of CO2 every year.
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The majority of this amount is caused by marine transport. To ensure that this sector complies with the Paris Climate Agreement, emissions will have to be reduced by 95% by 2050. The first half of this target can be achieved by efficiency measures, but the other half requires different fuels.
According to the Wuppertal Institute, LNG and biofuels can help, but the main target will be achieved with electrificity and hydrogen and the use of synthetic fuels such as methanol.
The Port Authority also announced a 100% discount for inland port charges when vessel owners comply with Green Award’s platinum certificate and make use of NextLogic. NextLogic is a tool that optimises handling of container inland shipping in the port of Rotterdam.