The Port of Rotterdam Authority and inland shipping operator PortLiner have signed a contract for the construction of a charging and storage pontoon for flow batteries in the Hartelkanaal.
PortLiner will deliver flow batteries to electrically powered inland vessels from this bunkering station.
PortLiner is a zero-emission transportation solutions who opted to extend its activities in the Port of Rotterdam by building the electrolyte bunkering station in response to rising demand for electrically propelled inland boats.
The Hartelkanaal in Rotterdam was chosen as the location. The pontoon will be powered by green energy (wind energy) generated by Greenchoice’s neighbouring wind farm.
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PortLiner has developed a zero-emission shipping solution based on flow batteries in collaboration with partners Vattenfall and Greenchoice.
Electricity is charged in a liquid (electrolyte) in flow batteries. The power is then recovered from the liquid and utilised to drive the ship on board.
The discharged electrolyte is then recharged after being replaced for charged electrolyte.
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In the Dutch transport industry, inland shipping accounts for 5 per cent of carbon emissions, according to the Port of Rotterdam.
Construction is set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with the first electrolyte bunkering station in the Netherlands likely to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.
In September, the Port of Rotterdam gained authorisation to test a long-distance drone for inspections and supervision operations.
