The future of fuelling: what do you expect from a port?

The most important aspect for a port is to focus on making available clean fuels – bunkering facilities of the future was the subject of Port of Amsterdam innovation manager, Jan Egbertsen’s keynote address at the Maritime Air Pollution & Fuel Technologies Conference, Europe.

“What will the fuel mix be, and what do we need to do as a port authority to accommodate this?” asked Mr Egbertsen.

A range of fuel projects are underway with the port involved in developing a ’hydrogen valley’ concept to provide production, storage and delivery of hydrogen; there is already a hydrogen trucking facility.

Projects like these are extensive in scope: local, national and international level develop a backbone of hydrogen supply, which also includes importing hydrogen.

The port is also examining the feasibility of other fuels and there are steps that have to be taken. “You have to develop production, storage and supply chain in parallel. And the bunker companies willing to supply these cleaner fuels,” he added.

The port has developed a bunker testing location for future fuels and there are discussions regarding shore power supply. There is already a shore power supply for local craft and barges, but a sea terminal will require a much larger investment, and a significant burden on the local grid.

The Port of Amsterdam is leading by example and developing its own vessels to operate on clean fuels, a process that has given the authority insights into the challenges being faced by shipowners.

In summary, Mr Egbertsen asked the delegates for feedback on the plans and invited them to address him directly via email on: jan.egbertsen@portofamsterdam.com.