Dutch based Rotterdam Shortsea Terminal (RST) and the Iceland based liner company Samskip has on Friday successfully launched their Green Shore Power initiative, which is providing a new clean shore powered energy solutions to vessels docked and thereby reduce CO2 emissions.
Rotterdam Shortsea Terminal states that the shore power solution is the first of its kind in the Netherlands ports, and it was launched with the attendance of delegations from Samskip, Rotterdam Shortsea Terminal, Port of Rotterdam (HBR), Municipality of Rotterdam and Harbour Electronical Services. The Samskip vessel “Samskip Innovator” provided during the celebrations an onsite demonstration of the smooth transition between ship power and the new shore power, and with this innovation, Samskip also takes a leading position in preparing for the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which will require shore-power connectivity as from year 2030.
“There are many ways to reduce CO2, such as: Samskip vessels using bio-fuel, the CO2 capturing systems also installed on Samskip vessels, WASP (Wind Assisted Ships Propulsion) and last but not least shore power. Green shore power facilitates clean and silent ship-operations in the ports of Rotterdam. We have set ambitious decarbonization targets for the upcoming years, with a clear aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. Remarkably, this goal puts us a decade ahead of the legally mandated requirement for the maritime industry, which is currently set at 2050.We will also continue to use all our resources to protect the future of our company, our customers and partners and our planet,” said Erik Hofmeester,, Head of Fleet Management – Vessel.
“RST is committed to be a frontrunner in the energy transition and is taking a leading role in the port of Rotterdam to work on practical solutions to serve the planet and RST’s customers. I am truly proud to be able to say that we are the first sea-terminal in the Netherlands which has a shore power connection. For me, keying in on the path towards CO2 neutrality means partnering with customers and suppliers and I am thrilled that together with Samskip, HES and Jolectra, we have been able to make a first step. Furthermore I would like to extend my gratitude towards the Port of Rotterdam authorities who have played an active role in the support and establishment of this pilot,” said Arno Storm, CEO of Rotterdam Shortsea Terminal.
