Shore power will become available for docked ships at nine locations in the Netherlands in the coming years. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has made a 15-million-euro subsidy available to this end.

The subsidy is part of the Ministry’s temporary shore power subsidy scheme for sea-going vessels. By the end of this year, the first ships can already be plugged in.

Shore power is becoming available in more and more places in the Netherlands, allowing more and more ships to “plug in”. If docked ships can turn off their generators, this will provide many benefits.

‘A ship connected to shore power emits virtually no CO2, nitrogen and particulate matter, and also produces much less noise. That is a gain for the environment, and the people who live or work there,’ says Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Mark Harbers.

Also read: DFDS to make use of shore power in Rotterdam

What is shore power and what does it provide?

The national government has so far awarded 15 million euros in subsidies in two tenders. The maritime sector itself is investing a further 55 million, bringing the total investment to around 70 million euros. This investment will see the realisation of shore power installations for seagoing vessels at nine different locations in the Netherlands.

The installations will allow roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) vessels in Vlaardingen and offshore and dredging vessels at Vlissingen to be connected to shore power from the end of 2023, and cruise ships in Rotterdam to be plugged in from mid-2024.

The estimated annual CO2 reduction in Vlaardingen is around 2100 tonnes. In Vlissingen, DEME Group expects a CO2 emission reduction of 3400 tonnes per year. This is comparable to about 960 households or 1000 cars. The expected emission reduction of NOx (nitrogen oxides) in Vlissingen is 50 tonnes per year, which is comparable to the emissions of 42,000 cars.

Also read: Port of Rotterdam and Eneco to provide shore power for Boskalis’ ships

More subsidy opportunities for shore power installations

Shore power plays an important role in making the maritime sector more sustainable, but requires substantial investments in the ports. Central government will therefore continue to support the realisation of shore-based power installations in the coming years.

Subsidies can facilitate and speed up investment decisions regarding shore-based power supply. After the successful first two tenders, the third tender was opened on Monday 16 January.

Also read: UK Chamber of Shipping: Using shore power should be compulsory