Inland shipping entities ITG, ZES, and Nedcargo switch to emission-free vessels operation
The Inland Terminals Group (ITG), Zero Emission Services (ZES), and Nedcargo have teamed up to revolutionise inland shipping with the introduction of an emission-free container transport system. This groundbreaking collaboration is part of a broader strategy to reduce CO2 emissions by 800 tonnes per year.
At the heart of this initiative is the inland vessel MS Den Bosch Max Groen, equipped with exchangeable battery containers, which will sail with an electric propulsion system. This innovative system, developed by ZES, does not emit CO2, nitrogen, or particulate matter, making it a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Michael Beemer, CEO of ZES, emphasises the company's mission to make inland shipping emission-free, with support from the National Growth Fund and the Province of South Holland. ZES offers a solution for making inland shipping more sustainable through mobile, swappable battery containers (Zespacks). The pay-per-use model allows shipowners to pay only for the energy they actually consume, making the switch to battery-electric sailing financially more attractive.
Eduard Backer, CEO of ITG, shares the same vision. He states that this project is part of their strategy to keep the Netherlands clean and accessible. ITG also operates a hydrogen-powered ship alongside the battery-electric vessel, demonstrating their commitment to a sustainable future.
The launch of this service between Den Bosch and the port of Rotterdam is an important milestone for ZES. Alblasserdam, with its proximity to the port, is an ideal location for battery swaps. Eduard Backer also mentions that battery-swapping stations at terminals contribute to lowering emissions.
Heineken, a company committed to decarbonising their supply chain, sees the collaboration between ITG, ZES, and Nedcargo as a positive development. Piet-Hein Timp, Procurement Manager for Sustainability and Energy at Heineken, supports the battery-electric development. Heineken's support underscores the potential impact of this initiative on the broader logistics industry.
The subsidy scheme available for shipowners who switch to battery-electric sailing further incentivises the transition to a cleaner, greener shipping industry. The founding date of ZES, 1950, serves as a testament to their long-standing commitment to sustainability.
In collaboration with partners like Heineken and CCT, ZES has optimised the operation of battery-powered vessels. The collaboration between ITG, ZES, and Nedcargo enables battery-electric inland container transport, inspiring other shippers to use this sustainable option. This initiative, with its focus on reducing emissions and promoting sustainability, is a significant step towards a greener future for inland shipping in the Netherlands.
Arne Weverling, Provincial Executive of South Holland, supports this initiative with the goal of a healthier and more liveable province. The project between ITG, ZES, and Nedcargo is not just a milestone for the companies involved, but also for the future of sustainable inland shipping in the Netherlands.
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