MOU on Shore Power Study Signed between Heerema Marine Contractors, Eneco and Port of Rotterdam
Purpose of the Partnership
The main objective of the consortium is to perform a feasibility study to realize a shore power connection in the Calandkanaal, providing sustainable power for offshore vessels. The order of magnitude of the connection is 20MVA. It is envisioned that large offshore vessels, while moored at the Calandkanaal, will be fully powered by green electricity while operating inshore. The use of shore power for moored vessels at this scale is an industry first in the world.
Accelerating the Energy Transition
Connecting Heerema’s fleet to the grid by sustainable energy will provide a significant reduction in terms of emissions and noise. Due to the fact the diesel generators will be switched off shortly after the vessel is moored, nearly all emissions – CO2, NOX, SOX and PM – will be eliminated in the channel. In addition to the emissions saved, noise generation will be reduced significantly too. In the future, more vessels could be connected to the grid to further reduce the (carbon) footprint. Naturally, this is pending the outcome of the feasibility study.
The Signing Ceremony
Despite many challenges, all parties have a profound drive to make this development a reality. During the signing ceremony at the Port of Rotterdam, the parties highlighted the sustainable potential for the region that this project brings.
Yvonne van der Laan, VP Industry & Bulk Cargo Business, opened the ceremony with the words: “The energy transition coalition is high on the agenda of the Port of Rotterdam. This feasibility study for green shore power is a potential big step in making the infrastructure of the Port of Rotterdam more sustainable. It is a positive development that this is done in a consortium with Heerema, Eneco and the Port of Rotterdam. The energy transition requires many steps to be taken, with many partners to accomplish.
Katja Langen, Director Business Development of Eneco expressed that “Eneco would very much like to determine how green wind energy, produced on location, can be coupled with shore power solutions. Potentially, mobile energy solutions could be developed. The answers on how to achieve this exactly, and the challenges this project brings, will have to be thought of in cooperation with Heerema and the Port of Rotterdam, together.
On behalf of Heerema, Saskia Rijtema, COO, signed the MOU. “Heerema is a family company, where values play an important part in the way we run our business. Reputation, safety and sustainability are of key importance. This is shown in our new build vessel, the Sleipnir, which is currently under construction and can operate using LNG. We are thankful to make this step forward with these partners, and grateful to realize our shared ambitions in terms of sustainability.”
Heerema, Eneco, the Port of Rotterdam and other partners in the consortium will jointly pursue additional partners and subsidy/grant providers that can assist and facilitate in this feasibility study phase. The addition of other marine partners who are interested in mooring in the Calandkanaal could potentially be beneficial to the development of shore power in the Rotterdam area, as risks will be reduced for all parties involved.
Rinke Zonneveld, CEO at InnovationQuarter: “We endorse the development of shore power in the region. We are involved in the consortium formation of this initiative, specifically on the required public-private partnership. We also support this initiative from the Roadmap Next Economy – the inspiring vision from our region on the big transitions we face – and from the Regional Investment Platform.”
