Large inland vessels (CEMT class V and higher) participate in a trial with shore-based power from a battery system. This free shore-based power is available at Maaskade in Rotterdam.
It is important to recall that in Rotterdam, there is a ban on generators for inland navigation that is lying idle. The inland shipping sector can make use of shore-based power there. The trial will last until 31 March 2022 and should show whether the battery system in combination with the local shore-based power box can meet that demand.
On the other hand, some ships need more power than the facilities can provide. The battery supports the shore-based power boxes on the quay by making more power available for the moored ships.
On behalf of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Skoon Energy has installed a battery system in the region in order to strengthen the local shore-based power supply for inland shipping.
Shore-based power boxes for inland shipping have been installed, since 2010, at about 60 locations in the center of Rotterdam. These boxes can supply shore-based power to four to six inland vessels up to a maximum of 40 Ampere. Nowadays, some larger inland vessels (in CEMT class V and above) require more power. The Port Authority has opted for this flexible solution.
63 Ampere
By placing the battery between the existing shore-based power box and the inland vessel, the battery will supply the extra required power up to a maximum of 63A when an inland vessel requires more than 40A. In such a case, without the battery in between, the fuse would blow and the inland vessel would be without power. In addition, in the old situation, other inland vessels can no longer use this shore-based power connection until things have been repaired. Linking the battery system prevents this situation and also makes it possible to provide larger ships with shore-based power.
Energy transition
Shore-based power is an important part of the energy transition. Ships moored at the quay often run on generators for the energy required on board. This involves emissions of, among other things, particulate matter, nitrogen and CO2. Shore-based power offers the opportunity to reduce these emissions by providing ships with a clean energy source.
On February, a shore power company Blueday Technology has announced the successful full-test load on a new shore power system at the Port of Oslo.
Blueday Technology was selected as a total supplier for the solution and given a role in supplying environmentally friendly technology, and handed over the shore power system at the Port of Oslo, which is now ready to be used public.
At the beginning of the year, it was announced that a high-voltage shore power system will be established for cruise ships in the Norwegian port of Haugesund.
The facility will be delivered by the end of 2022, and will also be prepared for other vessels visiting the port outside the cruise season.
The contract includes a technical solution and electrical infra-structure which enable low voltage connection by other vessels outside the cruise season.
Accordingly, the neighboring European ports of Antwerp, Bremen, Hamburg, Haropa and Rotterdam signed an MoU announcing their joint commitment to implement shore power technology for the largest container ships by 2028. Under the MoU signed during the World Ports Conference on 21 June 2021, the ports are jointly advocating a clear regulatory framework for the use of shore power or an equivalent alternative.
