Port of Rotterdam launches new incentive program to promote sustainable fuel use
The Port of Rotterdam recently unveiled a new incentive program to promote the use of sustainable marine fuels.
In a statement, the Port of Rotterdam said that in support of the newly formed Zero Emission Marine Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), and as part of its ongoing efforts to achieve and accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping, it will offer significant port fee reductions of up to a total of 500,000 euros for ships refueling with sustainable fuels in the port.
To qualify for the reductions, it was noted that ships must use alternative fuels in Rotterdam with at least a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, biofuel blends, marine light diesel and marine diesel are excluded from the types of fuel that can be used to qualify for the reduction.
The Port of Rotterdam says: 'These markets are ripe for the picking in Rotterdam.'
Biofuels are proving to be a very popular option for ship operators looking to reduce their greenhouse gas footprint, as they can often reduce net emissions without requiring any modifications to the ship.
Boudewijn Siemons, COO and CEO of the Port of Rotterdam, said, 'It is crucial that the shipping industry moves to zero-emission fuels, and the ZEMBA Alliance has launched an excellent initiative by being willing to pay a premium to carriers using zero-emission fuels, which are still more expensive than conventional fuels. With our additional support, we hope to provide carriers with the greatest incentive to make this transition.'
The Zero Emission Marine Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA was formed earlier this year by brands such as Amazon and Patagonia to promote demand for zero-emission vessels. The alliance released a request for proposals (RfP) last month for 600,000 twenty-foot containers to be shipped on zero-emission fuel-powered container ships over a three-year period.