Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG) container terminal has decided to equip its entire quayside with shore-based power for all vessels.
The RWG terminal is already fully automated and CO2 neutral. Construction of shore-based power facilities means that the ships will also no longer emit particulates, nitrogen and CO2 when at berth. Moreover, these facilities will also reduce noise pollution.
The first berths are expected to be equipped with shore-based power from 2026 onwards. And that puts RWG ahead of European regulation, which stipulates that all container, passenger and cruise ships larger than 5,000 gross tonnes in European ports must use shore-based power by 2030.
RWG is opting to design, finance and build the shore-based power systems itself. This represents a further fulfilment of RWG’s ambition to operate fully CO2 neutral.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority and RWG have signed a letter of intent that includes agreements to share knowledge and data concerning the construction and use of shore-based power and the necessary civil-engineering works to quay walls and fenders that this requires.
As explained, the municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are working together to accelerate and scale up shore-based power for sea-going vessels. The aim is that by 2030 a large percentage of seagoing vessels will be ‘plugged in’ when at berth.
Diesel generators can then be switched off, which is favourable for air quality and CO2 emissions. Together with enterprises in the port, as well as the shipping companies, a series of projects will be initiated over the coming years to accelerate and expand shore-based power.
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO & Interim COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, highlighted the significance of shore-based power in the energy transition, emphasizing that ships ‘plugged in’ during berthing lead to improved air quality and a decrease in noise pollution.
Meanwhile, Ronald Lugthart, CEO of RWG, stated that the investment in shore-based power is a pivotal aspect of RWG’s investment program, aligning with the goal of achieving zero-emission storage and handling of containers.
Finally, Robert Simons, Alderman for Port, Economy, Hospitality, and Governance at the municipality of Rotterdam, expressed the municipality’s genuine delight regarding RWG’s investment in shore-based power.
