Zero-emission inland shipping launched

Starting today, the inland vessel MS Den Bosch Max Groen will operate with exchangeable battery containers, marking a new era in green shipping with zero emissions of CO2, nitrogen or particulate matter.

“It is our mission to make inland shipping emission-free,” said Michael Beemer, chief executive of ZES.

“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.”

ZES’s innovative solution uses mobile, swappable battery containers known as Zespacks which supply clean energy to vessels without the need for lengthy charging periods.

The launch on the route between Den Bosch and the Port of Rotterdam is part of the expanded ZES 2.0 network. “Vessels can now swap containers at three locations – Alphen aan den Rijn, Alblasserdam and Den Bosch, with more terminals soon to follow,” said Beemer.

Eduard Backer, chief executive of ITG, highlighted the environmental impact. “By working together with ZES, Heineken and Nedcargo, we are achieving our sustainability ambitions,” he said.

“This project cuts CO2 emissions by 800 tonnes a year. With battery swapping stations at our terminals, we are making a concrete contribution to lowering emissions and easing road congestion.”