The Port of Rotterdam Authority is to electrify patrol vessel RPA 8, as part of efforts to get to an emission-free operational fleet. RPA 8 will serve as a test platform to gain essential experience in electric sailing, energy management and the asset management of electrical systems.
This knowledge will be valuable for the broader fleet renewal programme. New long-term maintenance contracts for the current fleet have also been signed.
Kooiman Marine Group, which built the vessel ten years ago, will carry out the electrification of RPA 8 together with Gebhard Electro. The contract was signed by Berte Simons, COO, Port of Rotterdam Authority, Rinus Kooiman, Director, Kooiman Marine Group, and Gerard Kraaij, Director, Gebhard Electro.
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RPA 8
RPA 8 is used for supervision, inspections and daily safety tasks in the port. The vessel is already hybrid, operating on diesel or diesel-electric propulsion, making it more efficient than comparable vessels.
During full electrification, the Port Authority will also gain experience with battery packs, including lifespan, charging and discharging times, sailing profiles and required infrastructure.
Fleet renewal
Over the next eleven years, the Port Authority’s vessels will reach the end of their technical lifespan. This provides an opportunity to renew and make the entire fleet more sustainable, while simplifying maintenance through standardisation and modular vessel design.
The Port Authority aims to make the new fleet as emission-free as possible, while ensuring vessels remain operational 24/7 to support a safe, clean and efficient port.
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Major maintenance contracts
At the same time, Simons also signed agreements with Olav Bos of De Haas Rotterdam and Chiel Redelijk of Shipyard Rotterdam. These two shipyard will provide large-scale maintenance over the next ten years ensuring the fleet remains reliable and fully certified.
De Haas Rotterdam and Shipyard Rotterdam will carry out the so-called fourth-line maintenance of the Port Authority’s vessels. This includes major overhauls — work that goes beyond daily or periodic maintenance. Routine damage repairs are also covered under the agreement. This is crucial for a fleet that operates around the clock.
Towards a future-proof fleet
‘With these agreements, we are strengthening our course towards a modern, sustainable and future-proof fleet for the Port Authority,’ says Simons. ‘We are investing not only in technology and innovation, but also in collaboration with regional partners who share our ambitions. These partnerships ensure that we can continue to deliver our services safely, cleanly and efficiently in the future.’
Picture: RPA 8 will become fully electric (photo by Kees Torn).
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