Inland Terminals Group (ITG), Zero Emission Services (ZES) and Nedcargo are launching fully emission-free container transport on inland waterways.
From 17 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 an innovative solution for making inland shipping more sustainable through mobile, swappable battery containers (Zespacks). These large-scale batteries provide inland vessels with clean energy without long charging times.
Michael Beemer, CEO of ZES, said: “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.”
Arne Weverling, Provincial Executive of South Holland, added: “We support this initiative with one clear goal: a healthier and more liveable province.
“At the same time, we ensure that inland shipping remains future-proof and competitive, so that waterborne transport continues to be a sustainable and attractive alternative in a province where road congestion is ever increasing.”
The launch of this service between Den Bosch and the port of Rotterdam marks an important milestone for ZES.
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“Together with partners such as Heineken and CCT, we have optimised the operation of battery-powered vessels. With the introduction of ZES 2.0 we are ready for the next phase,” Beemer added.
“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.”
Moreover, according to Eduard Backer, CEO of ITG, the project will cut CO2 emissions by 800 tonnes a year. He also reported that shippers can rapidly reduce their Scope 3 emissions by choosing waterborne transport.
Earlier this summer, the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, emphasised the global shipping industry’s need for significant investment in technology and alternative fuels to achieve a net-zero transformation.
