The Port of Rotterdam announced it will begin offering a substantial port fee reduction for ships that bunker sustainable fuels in Rotterdam, as part of its efforts to support the recently announced Zero Emissions Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA).
Port executives highlight that the fee reduction for large container vessels when bunkering sustainable fuels in Rotterdam can run up to €500,000 in total.
ZEMBA, an initiative of coZEV, recently launched a request for proposals for the transport of 600,000 twenty foot containers (teu) on ocean-going container vessels, powered by zero-emissions fuels.
The reduction of fees is being launched as part of its ongoing efforts to enable and accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping, and to support the recently announced Zero Emissions Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA).
To qualify, a ship has to bunker alternative fuels in Rotterdam with at least 90% reduction in greenhouse gases, such as green methanol or ammonia.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority has also determined that discount does not apply to bio-blended fuel oil, marine gas oil, or marine diesel oil, as that market is already mature in Rotterdam.
“It is vital that the shipping industry makes the switch to zero-emission fuels,” says Boudewijn Siemons, COO and CEO a.i. of Rotterdam port.
“It is vital that the shipping industry makes the switch to zero-emission fuels. The ZEMBA consortium has launched a fantastic initiative with a willingness to pay carriers a premium for the use of zero-emission fuels, which are still more expensive than traditional fuels. With the additional support from our side we want to give carriers maximum incentive to make this switch,” he adds.
The Port Rotterdam already extends discounts to more sustainable vessels that score high on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), and it claims that it is “an international front runner in facilitating the bunkering of zero-emission fuels.”
In 2022, the port launched a Green & Digital Corridor project together with the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore, which also offers discounts for carriers using sustainable fuels.
