Port of Rotterdam tests battery containers for moveable shore power

A pilot trial using battery containers for mobile shore power was conducted at the Port of Rotterdam’s Steinweg Beatrix Terminal. 

PHOTO: A large container ship moored in a dock in Rotterdam. Getty Images

The Port of Rotterdam Authority coordinated the pilot. It involved the Dutch shipping firm Cargow's vessels connected to the battery containers. The Netherlands-based energy firm Zero Emission Services supplied the battery containers used to power vessels. 

An experiment using these moveable battery containers was earlier conducted in 2020.

Moveable shore power using battery containers could become an alternative to standard shore power connections, according to the port authority. However, the cost of such a project is much higher as it requires additional logistics.

It is expected that "this [moveable shore power] will only be used at locations where no electricity is available from the grid," the port authority says.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority is currently exploring potential areas where it can be used.

By Manjula Nair

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