Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 27, On August 26, the Port of Moerdijk, Combined Cargo Terminals (CCT), and Zero Emission Services (ZES) signed a partnership agreement to construct a new charging station for inland vessels at the CCT Moerdijk terminal in the Netherlands. This station, the fifth in ZES’s national network, will support sustainable inland shipping by providing green energy starting in 2026.
The initiative strengthens the Port of Moerdijk’s commitment to sustainable logistics and the energy transition. ZES’s system, powered by 100% renewable energy, produces no CO2, particulate matter, or nitrogen emissions and operates more quietly than diesel-powered vessels. The charging station will use interchangeable battery containers, known as ZESpacks, to enable fully electric vessel operations.
Paul Dirix, CEO of the Port of Moerdijk, stated: “We were proud to welcome the ‘Alphenaar’ to Moerdijk in 2021, the first Dutch inland vessel to operate with interchangeable energy containers. This was a remarkable feat of innovation. With this charging station, we’re taking the next step. We’re enabling the further sustainability of inland shipping in Moerdijk and encouraging the transition to zero-emission vessels.”
ZES’s technology allows skippers to swap empty ZESpacks for fully charged ones, minimizing downtime. These 20-foot battery containers, charged with green energy, support a pay-per-use model that simplifies the shift to electric vessels. The Moerdijk station, located on port authority land next to the CCT terminal, will accommodate two 2.9 MWh ZESpacks, each fully charged in three hours. The facility shares an electricity grid connection with CCT, optimizing infrastructure use.
The ZES network already includes charging stations in Alphen a/d Rijn, Den Bosch, and Alblasserdam, with another under construction in Rotterdam’s Waalhaven. The Moerdijk addition expands zero-emission shipping routes, enhancing connectivity and sustainability in the region’s logistics network. ZESpacks also offer versatile applications, such as mobile shore power, temporary construction power, or solutions for grid congestion.
The collaboration between the Port of Moerdijk, CCT, and ZES highlights the importance of supply chain partnerships in advancing sustainable logistics. By integrating renewable energy and innovative technology, the project supports the transition to cleaner inland shipping, reducing environmental impact while maintaining efficient operations. This initiative positions Moerdijk as a key hub for sustainable maritime transport, contributing to broader goals of environmental responsibility and innovation in the logistics sector.
