A multidisciplinary group of students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (UAS) has concluded a research project for the Value Group. They focused on developing a scalable CO2 barge and hub concept for the Port of Rotterdam.
The Value Group consists of Value Maritime and Value Carbon and provides end-to-end carbon capture, utilisation and storage solutions that turn CO2 into value at sea and on land.
Recently, the team – consisting of Jens van IJsseldijk, Angela Mallens, Casper Nobel, Thijmen van Oosterhout, and Thomas Roelevink – recently presented their findings to an audience of more than 100 researchers, industry professionals, and government representatives.
Also read: Value Maritime and MOL complete carbon capture first
Research question and scope
The students set out to answer the following research question: What is required to realise a scalable infrastructure for loading and unloading CO2 via a flexible barge solution, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations?
The project focused on analysing and optimising the processes involved in transferring captured CO2 from vessels to barges and subsequently offloading it ashore. The objective was to identify practical, scalable, and compliant solutions that support the future development of CO2 logistics infrastructure in the Port of Rotterdam.
Also read: Rotterdam UAS lands EUR 2M to speed up autonomous shipping
Key Results
The team successfully developed and identified:
- Ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore (de)bunkering protocols aligned with regulatory and operational requirements.
- A conceptual hardware design for barge-based operational equipment to enable safe and efficient CO2 transfer operations.
- A quantitative emissions model to calculate greenhouse gas emissions during loading and unloading activities and assess their contribution to overall emissions.
- Optimal locations within the Port of Rotterdam for future infrastructure investments, supporting long-term logistical stability in CO2 handling.
The proposed quay location the students came up with is OCAP at the Botlekweg 169. They also presented a conceptual CO2 barge solution and CO2 transshipment checklist. In addition, an emissions model for operational CO2 emissions was created and the students aligned recommendations with current Port of Rotterdam and DCMR procedures.
Finally, they considered future regulatory developments, including the anticipated framework from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in their research.
Also read: Value Maritime carbon capture for ForestWave sister ships
Connecting education and innovation
According to the Value Group, collaborations like these allow students to contribute to tangible impact while gaining hands-on industry experience. The company adds that it looks forward to building on the knowledge and insights generated through this collaboration.
Picture: The students presenting their findings to an audience of more than 100 researchers, industry professionals, and government representatives (photo by the Value Group).
