On the site of Steinweg Beatrix terminal in Eemhaven area near Rotterdam, a pilot project with a mobile facility for shore-based power on hydrogen for Cargow’s MPP (Multi purpose) vessels arriving twice a week is set to begin in late 2022.
The tendering process starts in February, and the pilot is meant to intensify the use of shore-based power in the port and is part of a partnership between the Municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
The collaboration began in December 2019, when a pilot was launched at Parkkade for supplying small sea-going vessels with electricity from the quay, or ‘shore-based power’ as it is called. Because of this method, the crew will no longer need to run the on-board diesel generators, resulting in reduced air pollution and noise.
During the pilot, several marketable concepts were put through real-world tests over a five-month period. Power consumption data was collected, and emissions and sound levels were measured.
The pilot showed it is technically feasible to supply sea-going vessels with shore-based power using mobile concepts. The findings are being used to develop a permanent connection at Lloydkade as well as one at Parkkade later on. These findings are also a reason for the trialling of mobile shore power at the Steinweg location Beatrixhaven to start soon.
What is more, cranes, crane tracks and bollards nearby often impede the installation of equipment and cabinets for shore-based power and make connecting the cables between vessels and terminals a complex matter. To identify and remove such obstacles, the shore-based power project team of the municipality and PoR wants to set up a pilot at Steinweg as a follow-up to the Parkkade pilot. An autonomous, mobile installation with hydrogen will be tested within the framework of the energy transition.
Mobile solutions are required at sea port terminals where investments in shore-based power are less obvious. Tests are also being performed on a cable management system that can be deployed flexibly.
The system should improve the power supply between the quay and the vessel at quays where space is at a premium. What is more, measures are being taken to gain better insight into consumption by vessels, to make optimisation of technical designs possible and restrict investment costs in order to make shore-based power possible on the quayside.
Steinweg will apply for a permit and ensure a safe working area by fencing it off. Cargow will convert two of its vessels to run on shore-based power in operational conditions.
Calculations by DNV GL and the Port Authority indicate that the total energy demand of sea-going vessels in the port amounts to around 750-850GWh. This is equivalent to the energy consumption of some 200,000 households. This means there is much to be gained in terms of air quality, liveability and the climate. Using a joint strategy, the Port of Rotterdam is preparing itself for the transition to cleaner shipping.
