News item | 10-02-2023 | 08:25
Shore power will become available for moored ships at nine locations in the Netherlands in the coming years. So far, 15 million euros has been made available to the maritime sector for the realization of these installations through the temporary subsidy scheme for shore power seagoing vessels of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The first ships will be able to plug in at the end of this year.
Walstroom is becoming available in more and more places in the Netherlands, which means that more and more ships can ‘plug in’. If the moored ships can switch off their generators, this offers many advantages.
“A ship that is connected to shore power emits virtually no CO2, nitrogen and particulate matter, and also produces much less noise. That is a win-win for the environment and the people who live or work there,” said Minister Mark Harbers.
What is shore power and what does it yield?
A ship at the quay consumes energy. Consider, for example, any cranes on the deck, the heating or cooling of the ship and its cargo and equipment for the crew. Ships often use generators that run on fossil fuels to generate this energy. A sustainable alternative to these generators is shore power. The ship is then connected to a shore power installation on the quay and can thus continue the activities on board, but cleaner and quieter.
The government has so far awarded 15 million euros in subsidies in two tenders. The maritime sector itself is investing another 55 million euros, which means that shore power installations for seagoing vessels are being realized at nine different locations in our country for a total investment of approximately 70 million euros. As a result, roll-on-roll-off ships (vessels with a ‘rolling’ load, such as cars and trucks) in Vlaardingen and offshore and dredging ships at Vlissingen will be able to use shore power from the end of 2023, and cruise ships in Rotterdam will start docking from mid-2024. plug.
The estimated CO2 reduction in Vlaardingen is approximately 2,100 tonnes on an annual basis. In Vlissingen, Deme Group expects a CO2 emission reduction of 3,400 tonnes per year. That is comparable to approximately 960 households or 1,000 cars. The expected reduction in NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions in Vlissingen is 50 tons per year, which is comparable to the emissions of 42,000 cars.
More subsidy options for the realization of shore power installations
Walstroom plays an important role in making the maritime sector more sustainable, but requires major investments in the ports. The government will therefore continue to support the realization of shore power installations in the coming years. Investment decisions regarding shore power supply can be facilitated and accelerated by means of subsidies. After the successful first two tenders, the third tender was opened on Monday 16 January.
For more information about these and upcoming tenders, please visit the Temporary subsidy scheme for shore power seagoing ships on the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)