ZEMBA, an initiative of coZEV, recently launched a request for proposals for the transport of 600,000 twenty foot containers (TEU) on ocean-going container vessels powered by zero-emissions fuels.
To support this, and as part of its ongoing efforts to enable and accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping, the Port of Rotterdam has announced it is offering a port fee reduction for large container vessels when bunkering sustainable fuels in Rotterdam. This can run up to 500,000 euros in total.
To qualify, a ship has to bunker alternative fuels in Rotterdam with at least 90% reduction in greenhouse gases, such as green methanol or ammonia.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority has nonetheless also determined that the discount does not apply to bio-blended fuel oil, marine gas oil, or marine diesel oil. The port stresses that the market for this is “already mature in Rotterdam”.
Commenting on the initiative, Boudewijn Siemons, COO and CEO a.i. of the Port of Rotterdam, said:
“It is vital that the shipping industry makes the switch to zero-emission fuels. The ZEMBA consortium has launched a fantastic initiative with a willingness to pay carriers a premium for the use of zero-emission fuels, which are still more expensive than traditional fuels. With the additional support from our side we want to give carriers maximum incentive to make this switch.”
The Port Rotterdam add that it already extends discounts to more sustainable vessels that score high on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) and is an international front runner in facilitating the bunkering of zero-emission fuels.