Heerema is involved in a project in the Dutch port of Rotterdam to use wind generated electricity in place of diesel generators for the power needs of its moored crane vessels.
The other project partners are Eneco, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, and the Municipality of Rotterdam. The aim of the project is to establish the feasibility of supplying shore-based clean electricity to large seagoing vessels.
Eneco will supply power from a wind farm on Landtong Rozenburg.
Swapping noisy diesel generators for clean electricity will reduce emissions, improve air quality and will enhance the quality of life of residents in Rozenburg and Maassluis, said Heerema.
The offshore wind and marine contractor’s Sleipnir and Thialf (pictured) large crane vessels are regularly moored in the Calandkanaal in Rotterdam for maintenance or to prepare for projects at sea.
The vessels need energy to run on-board facilities and functions, including pumps, cranes, lighting, airconditioning and other equipment.
The diesel generators Heerema’s vessels use produce the same amount of emissions annually as 5000 diesel cars.
A special unit that will house transformers and other power control technology for the project will be located near Heerema’s berth on the north side of the Noordzeeweg on Landtong Rozenburg.
The Municipality of Rotterdam has reserved €2m to support the project in its 2020 budget. If the project is able to connect up several companies to the power supply the municipal subsidy will be paid back.
Prior to funding the project several conditions have to be met, which include careful integration of the transformer housing on Landtong Rozenburg into surroundings.
The project partners are currently in consultation with local residents, who will be invited to express their views on the plans at several meetings.
Permits will be applied for by the end of this year. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2020.
In addition, Heerema’s vessels will be upgraded next year to plug into the onshore power conversion equipment.