Monday, July 29, 2024 - 12:26 by ce-press
On shore power supply (OPS) will start to be available at the Holland Amerika quay in Rotterdam at the end of the fourth quarter 2024, the installation having begun in June 2023.
The key to the connection is to provide the highest operational flexibility, explains Nick Hoogeweij, executive manager, Cruise Port Rotterdam (CPR). “We have the option to connect anywhere along the line of 235m so, whether a ship has the connection on starboard or port side, it is possible. With 90% of the cruiseships sailing in our waters having the ability to connect, the outlook for OPS is good.
“One of the first things we looked at was where are those connections. We looked at the vessels which were regular visitors and where they had their connections. We then did a scope of what the ranges were that were needed.”
The importance of collaboration from both the port and the cruiselines in this, and any initiative, is vital, as Hoogeweij explains: “OPS is the clear next step to take. In cooperation, we have found time to charter facts and prepare jointly with the various cruiselines, a truly appreciated collaboration. Everything is coming together now also the operational aspects, which is important. For example, OPS should not block any provision doors.”
Cruise Port Shore Power is the entity in charge of shore power installation and is a daughter company to CPR. Having a 100 percent green energy source (from wind and solar) is also a key part of the solution, and very much in line with the environmental measures already in place.
The terminal, for example, is cooled with water from the river and the heating comes from the existing City Heating System. “For these reasons our terminal has a very low footprint,” says Hoogeweij, who adds that the port is looking ahead to possible electrification of operations, such as forklifts and cherry pickers, once the OPS is in place.
When it comes to carbon emissions in the port, these decreased by 2.2 million tonnes (10%) in 2023 compared to 2022 and are one-third lower than they were in 2016.
The first of four hydrogen plants, 2000MW Holland Hydrogen 1, is currently being built in the conversion farm/Maasvlakte. Using electricity from wind farms at sea to make green hydrogen, it is expected to deliver in 2025.
Although it is too early to say whether this might be a possible supplier for cruiseships in the future, Hoogeweij says: “There is a demand from the customer. This is a very ambitious step in the sustainable future of the port industry. Rotterdam is a leading port in the transition to sustainability and is also a fighter for green corridors in the world, alongside ports from as far afield as Los Angeles and Gothenburg.”
Hoogeweij is keen to add that what is very important when it comes to sustainability is that it is not just about development but about sharing information, not only amongst the industry but to the outside world, to residents, politicians etc. “On average public opinion is not negative but, due to non-factual information that can be picked up, I think organisations such as Cruise Europe and Cruise Lines International Association have the possibility to bring people together to discuss and stimulate conversations that can be brought back to and shared with members.
“I think it’s very important we all share the same message. At CPR, we don’t only share information with municipality politicians but also with residents and our own team to keep them informed on the latest information available, so if they get questions they are able to share the right information. It is important that all stakeholders collaborate.
“To share is multiplying the strength of the industry,” he concludes.
