Shore power trial for coasters in Rotterdam

The Parkkade trial will use mobile concepts instead of permanent shore-based power connections to trial the five different systems under scutiny. The trial will also test different energy sources, such as hydrogen, battery, bio LNG, LNG and hybrid solutions.

“Shore-based power enables us to kill two birds with one stone – cleaner air and less CO2,” stated Arno Bonte, alderman for air quality and sustainability. “I’m expecting this trial to give us insight into using shore power in more locations, particularly in urban areas.”

Allard Castelein, chief executive at the Port of Rotterdam Authority said, “We’re continuing to go that step further with shore-based power. This has been compulsory for inland shipping for some ten years. In the coming decades many more vessels will need to use shore power. But the larger the vessel, the more complicated and expensive this is. So it takes time.”

The trial, costing €500,000 mainly coming from the government via the Dutch National Collaboration Programme on Air Quality, will aim to find the best way to improve air quality, particularly in urban areas. A second €1,500,000 trial is scheduled for 2020 focusing on innovative shore power concepts for larger sea-going vessels.

The companies involved are ENGIE Ventures & Integrated Solutions, PON Power & sister companies, Aggreko Benelux, Mobiele Stroom and JP-Energiesystemen.