Shell opens its first megawatt charger in Amsterdam

The megawatt charger is connected to ETCA’s own microgrid. This enables integration between energy supply, energy storage, and energy demand. The ETCA microgrid includes 3,600 rooftop solar panels, stationary battery storage, 119 EV chargers for cars, a hydrogen electrolyser and other research equipment.

The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) has two separate charging arms. One rotatable arm is dedicated to electric vessels, the other arm serves heavy-duty electric trucks and buses. The rotatable and extendible charging arm provides docking position flexibility and shoreside maintenance for port operators.

Shell is looking to help provide a universal standard so users do not have to use different cables or connectors. By featuring a second adapter on each charging arm, the megawatt charger at the ETCA can accommodate a wide range of vessels, vehicles and battery types for fast and flexible charging.

“We believe this solution will be helpful for shipping companies that control and operate logistics businesses across the supply chain, and often have facilities that serve both waterside and landside. The megawatt charger also offers the flexibility to charge a wide range of inland and port vessels such as barges, tugboats, service vessels and ferries. I’m excited at how the technology is now available, and deployed,” said Melissa Williams, president at Shell Marine.

Shell has some competition in the battery-powered maritime space given ABB secured a contract with Auckland Transport for its own megawatt charging system for all-electric and hybrid-electric ferries in December last year.