Emissions-free barge concept

The consortium called Zero Emission Services B.V. (ZES) includes Wärtsilä, ING Bank, Engie and the Port of Rotterdam Authority, with support from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

“This innovative concept aligns completely with Wärtsilä’s commitment to lessening the environmental impact of shipping. It is something we are proud to be a part of,” said Tamara de Gruyter, President, Marine Systems & Executive VP, Wärtsilä.

Climate goals

The concept is based on the use of replaceable battery containers, to be known as ‘ZESPacks’ which can be charged using energy from renewable sources.

The ZESPacks are designed for multiple applications, enabling them to be utilised for temporary onshore use, such as stabilising the local electricity grid or meeting short-term demand for electrical power.

A network of open access charging points will be set up for exchanging depleted battery containers for ready-charged replacements, thereby keeping waiting time to a minimum.

Wärtsilä said that the system is future-proof since it is independent of the energy provider. Initially batteries will be employed but should, for example, hydrogen become a viable alternative at some point, containers equipped with hydrogen technology could supply power in the same way.

To make it easier for barge operators to sign-on to the concept, a ‘pay-per-use’ financing model has been developed, so the skipper’s operating costs remain competitive.

The project will initially be employed along the Zoeterwoude – Alpherium – Moerdijk corridor. Following this, it will be expanded to include the Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp corridor, making a connection to Nijmegen.

The HEINEKEN beer company has entered into an agreement with ZES to utilise the service for transporting beer from its brewery in Zoeterwoude to Moerdijk, the first end customer for the enterprise.