Successful Rotterdam moveable shore power pilot

(Posted on 01/10/24)

In recent months, a pilot with moveable battery containers with shore power has taken place at the Steinweg Beatrix Terminal in Rotterdam. Vessels from Cargow shipping company have been successfully connected.

The pilot follows on from the experiment conducted on Parkkade in late 2019/early 2020. This time, vessels of the Cargow shipping company were connected. These vessels have a greater energy demand than required during the first pilot.

The pilot took place at an operational terminal instead of a public dock. The battery containers are from Zero Emission Services, known for the battery electric powered inland vessels. This pilot means a potential new revenue model with shore power for Zero Emission Services.

Market parties have tested and demonstrated their technology in these two pilots. The integration of the various technological components on the shore and on the vessel, as well as optimising the logistics behind the moveable concept, have turned out to be particularly significant.

The application of shore power supplied from moveable batteries is technically feasible and could become a technical alternative to a standard shore power connection. However, the price tag of such a project is higher than with a standard shore power connection and the expectation is therefore that this will only be used at locations where no electricity is available from the grid .

The pilot was partly financed by Government subsidies, from the Nationaal Samenwerkingsprogramma Luchtkwaliteit (National Air Quality Cooperation Programme). The aim is to improve the air quality in urban areas in particular.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority coordinated the pilot and, with the Municipality of Rotterdam, is now exploring the possibilities for broader applications of moveable shore power concepts. They are mainly considering locations where flexible concepts work better than fixed connections, or where a fixed connection is not yet available due to grid congestion on the power grid.

Latest News

Antwerp-Bruges stands firm as geopolitical forces reshape trade flows

In the first half of 2026, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 133.9 million tonnes of maritime cargo, a... Read more

PD Ports announce Paul Foreman as new CEO

PD Ports, one of the UK’s major port and logistics businesses, announced today that Paul Foreman... Read more

New San Diego bulk sugar import facility to use only electric trucks

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved an Option to Lease Agreement and authorised... Read more

Expanded partnership through bulk infrastructure development at Khalifa Port

AD Ports Group, an Abu Dhabi based, leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more

Port of Hamburg strengthens partnership with China

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and SPG Qingdao Port Group have signed a Port Partnership Agreement... Read more

Contract awarded for Pilbara Ports Zone 5 Bypass Channel

The Cook Labor Government in Australia has welcomed the award of a dredging contract to Jan De Nul ... Read more

Netherlands Parliamentary rules out Maasvlakte II as location for new nuclear power plants

A parliamentary letter in the Netherlands on the selection of a site for the construction of two new... Read more

SSAB’s port operations in Raahe develop safety together with ESL Shipping

The long-term safety cooperation between ESL Shipping and the port of SSAB’s Raahe site is visible... Read more

Liverpool sees 200% rise in fertiliser imports interest amid ongoing uncertainty

The Port of Liverpool is experiencing a surge in demand from fertiliser importers as continued uncertainty... Read more

PD Ports strengthens Teesport bulk handling with £5.4m crane investment

PD Ports has further strengthened its bulk handling capability at Teesport with the arrival of... Read more