Inland Terminals Group (ITG), Zero Emission Services (ZES) and Nedcargo are introducing fully emission-free container transport on inland waterways in the Netherlands. From 18 September, the inland vessel MS Den Bosch Max Groen will sail with exchangeable battery containers on board.
With this electric propulsion system, no CO2, nitrogen or particulate matter is emitted. This marks a significant sustainable boost for inland shipping.
ZES offers mobile, swappable battery containers (Zespacks). These large-scale batteries provide inland vessels with clean energy without long charging times. Michael Beemer, CEO of ZES: ‘It is our mission to make inland shipping emission-free. We are achieving this with support from the National Growth Fund and the Province of South Holland. With our pay-per-use model, shipowners pay only for the energy they actually consume. This makes the switch to battery-electric sailing financially more attractive. In addition, a subsidy scheme is available for shipowners.’
Also read: EUR 50 million subsidy for ZES inland navigation battery containers
Network of battery containers
The launch of this service between Den Bosch and the Port of Rotterdam marks an important milestone for ZES.
‘Together with partners such as Heineken and CCT, we have optimised the operation of battery-powered vessels,’ states Beemer. ‘With the introduction of ZES 2.0, we are ready for the next phase. Vessels can now swap containers at three locations: Alphen aan den Rijn, Alblasserdam and Den Bosch. More terminals will soon follow in Rotterdam, Moerdijk and Nijmegen. This establishes a robust network that makes battery-electric inland shipping more accessible.’
Also read: Port of Rotterdam trials shore power in containers
800 tonnes of CO2 reduction per year
Inland Terminals Group brings together the terminals of BCTN, MCS and CTT. With seventeen terminals, ITG connects large parts of the Netherlands and Flanders with the seaports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.
Eduard Backer, CEO of ITG: ‘By working together with ZES, Heineken and Nedcargo, we are achieving our sustainability ambitions. I am proud that the partners are showing such courage. This project is part of our broader strategy to keep the Netherlands both clean and accessible. It cuts CO2 emissions by 800 tonnes a year. That momentum must be carried forward. With battery swapping stations at our terminals, we are making a concrete contribution to lowering emissions. Alblasserdam is an ideal location for battery swaps close to the port. Our terminals also have the capacity to grow in volume, helping to ease congestion on the roads.’
According to Backer, shippers can rapidly reduce their Scope 3 emissions by choosing waterborne transport: ‘Alongside this battery-electric vessel, our group also operates a hydrogen-powered ship. Hydrogen is suited to longer distances, while battery containers are ideal for shorter shuttle services. Waterborne transport is the path to a lower footprint. And with the upcoming CO2 levy (ETS-2), this will also bring financial benefits for shippers.’
Picture: A Zespack being loaded onto the Den Bosch Max Groen (photo by ITG).
Also read: Ebusco takes stake in battery container provider Zero Emission Services
