The future of Shipping Port of Rotterdam at the Port of Rotterdam. W


Port of Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and handled more than 469 million tonnes of cargo in 2019. The Port Authority is leading the transition to sustainable energy and it is committed to digitalisation in order to make the port and supply chain more efficient.


Does the Port of Rotterdam have an ambition to play a major role in the energy transition?


Eric: “To ensure a successful energy transition in the Netherlands, it is crucial that this transition is successful in the Port of Rotterdam. The Port is responsible for 18% of all the Dutch CO2 emissions today. Furthermore, it can influence a significant share of the shipping emissions – that are not counted as Dutch emissions – as well. It is for this very reason that shortly after the


Paris Agreement we developed our energy transition strategy - often referred to as ‘3 steps to sustainability’ - in which we 1) increase the energy efficiency of industry and logistics and then 2) transform the energy system and 3) transform the materials system. This approach is not only applied to onshore activities but also to the shipping activities.”


e interviewed Eric van der Schans, Director Environmental Management


Can you highlight the most significant projects in the Port of Rotterdam?


Eric: “In our ‘3 steps to sustainability’ approach we are developing, facilitating and/or stimulating projects onshore, as well as for the shipping sector. Examples in the shipping sector include digital tools to enable a more efficient port call for seagoing vessels (Pronto) or integrated planning of containerised inland shipping (Nextlogic). At the same time, we are starting projects to transform the energy system of shipping. Together with others we are investing in containerised batteries


“3 steps to sustainability”


for inland shipping (MEC), as well as onshore power for example for large offshore structures from Heerema. Additionally, we actively support and stimulate experiments to bunker low- carbon fuels here. We also assess future opportunities such as hydrogen production, storage and bunkering. The transformation of the materials system might not directly impact the look of shipping, but might in the near future change existing trades and create new trade lanes.”


How does the Port view the different floating harbour concepts?


Eric: “We are very interested in new concepts which combine port functions and the production/storage of sustainable energy. As an example we have been closely involved in the development of the North Sea Wind Power Hub.”


www.portofrotterdam.com


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