Dutch trio to perform shore power feasibility study

Dutch Heerema Marine Contractors, Eneco, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly perform a feasibility study on the creation of shore power infrastructure in the Caland channel, Rotterdam.

MOU signing ceremony; Source: HMC

HMC said that the MOU represented a major step towards developing a shore power connection in the Caland channel (SPCC) and to provide Heerema’s fleet with sustainable power inshore.

The parties created a consortium to explore the opportunities and were looking for marine partners who were willing to co-accelerate the energy transition.

The company added that the main objective of the consortium was to perform a feasibility study to realize a shore power connection in the Caland channel, providing sustainable power for offshore vessels.

The magnitude of the connection will be 20MVA. It is envisioned that large offshore vessels, while moored at the Caland channel, will be fully powered by green electricity while operating inshore. According to HMC, the use of shore power for moored vessels at this scale is an industry first in the world.

Due to the fact the diesel generators will be switched off shortly after the vessel is moored, nearly all emissions – CO2, NO¬X, SOX, and PM – will be eliminated in the channel. In addition to the emissions saved, noise generation will be reduced significantly too.

At the signing ceremony in the Port of Rotterdam, Yvonne van der Laan, VP industry & bulk cargo business of Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “This feasibility study for green shore power is a potentially 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.”

Katja Langen, Director of Business Development of Eneco, added: “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.”

Saskia Rijtema, Heerema’s COO, signed the MOU and stated: “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 or 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 Caland channel could potentially be beneficial to the development of shore power in the Rotterdam area, as risks will be reduced for all parties involved,” the company said.