The Dutch government has pledged financial support to ports across the Netherlands to expand the use of shore power as part of its effort to improve the environment in and around its seaports. The initiative acknowledges the substantial investments necessary to meet EU mandates, which require the use of shore power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution in seaports. By 2030, EU ports must have shore power available for any ship weighing over 5,000 gross tons covered by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), including both cargo and passenger vessels.
The consulting group Branch Organisatie Zeehavens (BOZ) has predicted that approximately 270 MW of shore power capacity will be required to meet EU requirements for ships covered by AFIR, representing an investment of around $325m. Unfortunately, BOZ Chair, Boudewijn Siemons has noted that despite the environmental benefits of shore power, it doesn’t equate to a sound business case for shipping companies and terminals.
The Netherlands government hopes to help incentivise the installation of shore power by committing to a public-private partnership with BOZ, which will receive $150m in the coming years to help realise shore power installations in seaports. On top of this, another $43m will come through the country’s climate fund. The Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management, Mark Harbers, has spoken of the importance of ensuring that all sectors make their contribution in achieving climate goals, including the maritime industry. Furthermore, by subsidising shore power, less noisy generators that run while ships are berthed can be replaced.
The Dutch project focuses primarily on five major seaports: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Groningen, Moerdijk, and North Sea Port (Vlissingen, Terneuzen, and Ghent). The resources will be mainly intended for terminals where AFIR vessels moor, although other shore power projects for maritime shipping will also be eligible for the subsidy. The aim is to deliver environmental benefits and encourage development of new climate projects in the ports.
Tags: Netherlands, ports, shore power, support, subsidy, requirement, regulation,
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