Shore power system for inland shipping

The Port of Antwerp, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Port of Amsterdam, North Sea Port Netherlands, Drechtsteden and De Vlaamse Waterweg are working together on the initiative to supporting the development of shore power and make it as user-friendly and reliable as possible.

On behalf of all these ‘Walstrkoompartijen’ (Shore-Based Power Parties), the Port of Rotterdam Authority has published a European call for bids, which will ultimately lead to the selection of a contractor for these services.

The tender is in line with the partners’ policy to pursue a balanced development of the various port areas in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Under this policy, the ‘Walstroompartijen’ will not only be investing in economic development, but also in projects that improve local quality of life and the environment.

The key focus throughout is sustainability. Public authorities and private firms in the different ports are working together to promote transport by inland shipping and rail rather than road haulage.

The partners are keen to reduce the volumes of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulates released into the atmosphere and have performed extensive research into the utilisation of shore-based power for a range of different vessel types and locations.

In the period ahead, other parties that offer shore power may also decide to join the new agreement.