Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) has announced that it would transition its container terminals to shore power, expecting to cut CO2 emissions by around 35,000 tonnes per year.
ECT has reached a deal with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP), a joint venture between Eneco and the Port of Rotterdam. The first vessels are planned to be linked to shore power facilities by 2028.
Once both terminals are completely operational in 2030, around 5,000 sea-going vessels will be able to connect to shore electricity each year. This will lower the port’s CO2 emissions by about 35,000 tonnes per year.
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RSP will build and manage the shore power facilities, while ECT and the Port of Rotterdam will handle civil integration at the quay and terminal site.
The projects are part of Europe’s largest shore power projects, which total around 5 kilometres of quay.
Port of Rotterdam’s goal is to become climate neutral by 2050, complying with European criteria as part of the European Green Deal.
Leo Ruijs, CEO of ECT, stated: “The projects are in line with our goal of being emission-free by 2035. When calling at our terminals, our clients can use shore power facilities, which fit well within the philosophy of our logistics concept.
“Rotterdam Shore Power is proud to be able to offer shore power as a service on the Maasvlakte, state Tiemo Arkesteijn and Ina Barge, who run RSP. We are hereby removing the investment thresholds and taking the burden off our clients and partners, while accelerating the greening of the port and maritime sector at the same time.”
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Robert Simons, Port Councillor of the Municipality of Rotterdam, said: “This is a wonderful milestone for the Port of Rotterdam and a significant step towards our aim to provide all vessels at Rotterdam’s quays with shore power.
“We offer our compliments to ECT Rotterdam, Rotterdam Shore Power and Port of Rotterdam Authority on this result. This development not only contributes to cleaner air and lower noise pollution but also accelerates sustainability at our port and of the maritime sector.”
