Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals and Samskip launch Green Shore Power initiative

The Green Shore Power initiative has been launched by Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST) and Samskip to reduce CO₂ emissions produced by vessels when berthed. Under the joint initiative, the companies have established at the Port of Rotterdam the first shore power solution in a container terminal in the Netherlands.

Harbour Electronical Services (HES) was responsible for preparing and equipping RST’s shortsea vessel – the Innovator – with the technology to receive shore power. The onshore power supply, located at the quay of RST, was installed by Jolectra.

The use of shore power within the shipping industry is estimated to reduce emissions by 5 megatons of CO₂ per year, equating to 3.7% of global shipping emissions.

“There are many ways to reduce CO₂, such as: Samskip vessels using bio-fuel, the CO₂ capturing systems also installed on Samskip vessels, WASP (Wind Assisted Ships Propulsion) and last but not least shore power,” said Erik Hofmeester, Head of Fleet Management – Vessel. “Green shore power facilitates clean and silent ship-operations in the ports of Rotterdam.

“We have set ambitious decarbonization targets for the upcoming years, with a clear aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. Remarkably, this goal puts us a decade ahead of the legally mandated requirement for the maritime industry, which is currently set at 2050. We will also continue to use all our resources to protect the future of our company, our customers and partners and our planet.”

“RST is committed to be a frontrunner in energy transition and is taking a leading role in the port of Rotterdam to work on practical solutions to serve the planet and RST’s customers,” added Arno Storm, CEO of RST. “I am truly proud to be able to say that we are the first container terminal in the Netherlands which has a shore power connection.”