Port of Rotterdam trials shore power for coasters

The Municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have begun a trial to supply small sea-going vessels with electricity on Parkkade in the centre of Rotterdam.

During the five month trial, which will test five different systems, vessels will then not need to run their diesel generators to generate power for use on board, in an effort to reduce air pollution and noise.

Arno Bonte, alderman for air quality and sustainability, said: “Shore-based power enables us to kill two birds with one stone: cleaner air and less CO_2. I’m expecting this trial to give us insight into using shore power in more locations, particularly in urban areas.”