As part of a European Union-funded CEF Study project, the Port of Rotterdam, in partnership with the municipality of Rotterdam and several port partners, has undertaken four feasibility studies for shore electricity.
This takes place at four huge terminals in Rotterdam’s port: the ECT (Amazonehaven), APMT2 (Amaliahaven), VOPAK (Vlaardingen), and the Cruise Terminal (Wilhelminakade).
According to the port, the investigations are divided into three parts: extensive technical studies, environmental and social cost-benefit analyses, and the preparation of tendering and permission procedures.
The Vopak Vlaardingen research is being conducted in collaboration with Vopak and Stolt Tankers, with the goal of establishing a global standard for tanker shore power.
Between 2022 and 2024, the Port of Rotterdam, Vopak, and Stolt Tankers completed a preliminary technical feasibility study, a business case analysis, and a preliminary environmental impact assessment.
The main takeaway from the exercises evaluated in this project is that, while a midship connection may be a viable option, it may not be as practical and flexible as it appears at first glance, and the hazardous zones represent a significant risk associated with the OPS connection.
The Port of Rotterdam, Vopak, and Stolt will continue to work towards the standardisation of shore power for tankers, and they want to enable a demonstration project at VOPAK Vlaardingen.
According to the port, the project’s next goal is to:
- Complete a preliminary design for the shore power installation at Vopak Vlaardingen.
- Engage key clients from Vopak and Stolt Tankers at the Vlaardingen terminal.
- Engage with (possible) subsidy providers about their participation in the project.
Recently, the Port of Rotterdam announced that Zeevonk II will construct an electrolyser on the Maasvlakte for converting wind farm energy to green hydrogen.
