Rotterdam Archives

Ports Help in Reducing Shipping Emissions

Posted on 5 June, 2023 by Keith McKinley

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has long been committed to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, aiming for a minimum 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050 through stricter regulations and improved energy efficiency. However, recent discussions at the Green4Sea Forum in Athens have highlighted IMO’s challenges in developing credible plans and policies. Suppose the IMO fails to provide effective solutions. In that case, there is a risk that regional and national authorities will take unilateral actions to regulate emissions, potentially fragmenting the global shipping industry’s operations.

In the quest to reduce the shipping industry’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it has become increasingly evident that slow-steaming, a commonly employed strategy, may not be the ultimate solution everyone thought. Recent studies by Simpson Spence & Young and Clarksons have cast doubt on the effectiveness of slow-steaming, a widely employed strategy. These studies suggest that the benefits of slow steaming may have been overestimated due to unrealistic assumptions about fuel consumption and ship speed. Real-world evidence indicates that the relationship between ship speed and fuel consumption is more nuanced than previously believed, challenging the assumptions underlying the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation. This calls for a re-evaluation of strategies.

Instead, a greater focus on the role of ports in achieving emission reduction goals is beginning to be recognized and their role in helping shipping lines achieve emission reduction targets. Acknowledging ports as key partners in the fight against emissions highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability in the maritime sector.

This recognition highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability in the maritime sector, with ports serving as vital partners in the fight against emissions. So as the industry navigates these complexities, there is an urgent call for holistic approaches encompassing the entire logistics chain, with ports playing a pivotal role in achieving emission reduction targets.

The maritime sector is also increasingly turning to data-driven decision-making and digital solutions to address these challenges and accelerate the industry’s adaptation to a changing world. One notable example that brings these two ways of thinking together is the Port of Rotterdam, which has embarked on a sustainability journey to minimize its environmental impact. However, obtaining accurate real-time data on transport emissions proved to be a significant hurdle for the port, hampering the implementation of targeted improvement strategies.

To overcome this challenge, the Port of Rotterdam employed PortXchange Synchronizer developed by PortXchange, a spinoff of the Port of Rotterdam, a digital solution designed to align all stakeholders in a port call, reduce emissions and facilitate just-in-time arrivals. In addition to the implementation of PortXchange Synchronizer, the Port of Rotterdam launched PortXchange EmissionInsider, a solution to monitor and analyze transport-related emissions. This solution enabled the port to gain unprecedented visibility into its transport emissions, standardize reporting and identify areas with the greatest potential for decarbonization. By leveraging AI algorithms and data triangulation, the platform provided comprehensive emissions profiles for each ship within the port’s jurisdiction, enabling data-driven decision-making to support emission reduction strategies.

Through the implementation of PortXchange Synchronizer, the port achieved a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions from shipping operations and a 15% decrease in NOx emissions. Collaboration with shipping companies was pivotal in promoting greener practices and driving sustainability initiatives forward.

The maritime industry is at a critical juncture where embracing digitalization, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration between ports and shipping lines are vital. By leveraging innovative technologies and taking a comprehensive approach to emissions reduction, the industry can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

Hyster Provides Electric Empty Container Handler

Posted on 12 May, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Hyster announces it will provide CARU Containers B.V. with a 100% battery-powered empty container handler for the depot in Rotterdam. The electric empty container handler will be powered by 650-volt lithium-ion batteries, with electricity sourced from solar panels on site at the CARU depot.

With more than 95% of CARU Container’s Scope 1 CO2 emissions coming from its diesel forklifts and empty container handler in 2021, the introduction of the electric Hyster Empty container handler can help the company to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, while also helping to reduce its operational expenditure in terms of diesel costs.

“CARU Containers has invested heavily in its sustainability program,” says Thirza Belder, Sustainability Officer, CARU Containers “As a global market leader in container trade, we are keen to integrate sustainability into our entire value chain as we are striving to be net zero before 2030. Therefore, we started discussions with Hyster in 2021 to provide electric lift trucks and equipment for our depot, which later led to the electric empty container handler.”

CARU already possesses a 240 kilowatt-hour capacity battery that can store enough energy to charge the empty container handler for most of the year, supplemented with grid power when solar energy is less efficient during shorter winter days. This solution is expected to supply sufficient charge to allow the truck to complete five to six required hours of work during a shift before being recharged overnight. Throughout the site, CARU has installed measuring devices to calculate what percentage of the energy used comes from solar.

“This is a great application for a fully electric vehicle on a site that produces its own electricity,” says Jan Willem van den Brand, Director, Global Business Development Big Trucks, Hyster. “The fully electric empty container handler we are supplying to CARU Containers follows years of research and development into sustainable technologies for the port and container handling industry.”

This battery electric empty container handler is the latest in a series of developments where Hyster is at the forefront of electrifying higher-capacity port equipment that has traditionally relied on internal combustion engine (ICE) power. Hyster is providing an empty container handler powered by hydrogen fuel cells, another advanced electric power technology, at a terminal in Hamburg, Germany. The company is also currently testing the first-ever, real-world pilot of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered container handler at the Port of Los Angeles, and has previously announced a pilot of a fuel-cell powered ReachStacker at the Port of Valencia and a partnership with Capacity Trucks to develop electric and hydrogen powered terminal tractors. Hyster draws on extensive experience in electric truck design with the company’s line of smaller, lighter-capacity powered industrial trucks, for which Hyster offers extensive battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell power options.

“Our mission is to provide the innovative technologies our customers need to help meet their goals for emissions reduction and performance,” says van den Brand. “For some operations, lithium-ion power might be the answer, but for others, hydrogen is the right choice. The answer depends on so many factors like duty cycle, utility grid capacity and fuel availability. Our customers deserve choices that allow them to build the right solution based on their needs – not shoehorning a single technology into their operation.”

This electric empty container handler at the CARU depot is expected to operate for approximately 2,000 hours per year. Heffiq, a dealer local to CARU Containers, will act as the service partner, providing 24/7 service for maximum uptime of the truck, while Hyster will be actively involved in the integration of the truck. The empty container handler will be an electric equivalent to the Hyster H10XD-ECD8 double-container handler, which can create stacks of up to eight containers high, while handling two at a time. This design approach offers a level of familiarity for operators who have experience with other Hyster big trucks, as well as helping to control the cost of design, manufacturing, service and maintenance.

“There is a lot of interest in electric big trucks,” says Martijn Veerkamp, Commercial Director at Heffiq B.V. “But customers must consider questions of application, power infrastructure, return on investment and more. We had very constructive meetings with CARU and were able to come together to find a solution that works for them and their focus on sustainability. Heffiq is extremely proud to supply the first electric empty container handler in Rotterdam.”

New LCL Services from Asia to Western Europe

Posted on 2 March, 202331 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Cargo-partner has once again expanded its range of LCL solutions (less than container load) and introduced new weekly sea freight consolidation services from China and India to Rotterdam, serving various destinations in Western Europe.

As ports and warehouses in Northern Europe are still facing heavy congestions and service issues, cargo-partner has recognized the need to provide more flexibility to its customers and expand its range of services in the region. To combat these challenges, the logistics provider has introduced new weekly LCL services from the key Asian gateways Shanghai, Shenzhen and Nhava Sheva to Western Europe via the port of Rotterdam. The new services allow for more flexible planning and considerable time savings compared to transit via German main ports.

“Many of our customers are currently facing cost pressure and looking for a reliable solution for their import shipments from Asia – especially for destinations in Western Europe, which are typically very competitive,” explains Felix Miletich, Corporate Director Product Management Sea Cargo LCL at cargo-partner. “With our LCL services via Rotterdam, we can provide a stable alternative to congested ports in Northern Europe and achieve synergies on the last mile for shipments from various origins.”

One of many cargo-partner-owned consolidation services

The service via Rotterdam is one of many sea freight consolidation services that are fully controlled by cargo-partner, ensuring high flexibility and minimal risk of damages for the logistics provider’s customers. cargo-partner’s door-to-door solutions include pre-and on-carriage by road, customs clearance and comprehensive logistics services through the company’s European warehouse network.

After deconsolidation at a dedicated warehouse in Rotterdam, customers benefit from fixed truck departures at least once per week for deliveries throughout Europe. While the service mainly targets Western European countries like Germany, Belgium, Sweden, the UK, Ireland and Spain, it can also provide an interesting alternative for customers in Central European destinations such as Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Strategic focus on LCL and Western Europe

As one of the leading providers of LCL transports in Central and Eastern Europe, cargo-partner operates its own weekly LCL consolidation lines from more than 20 Asian and East-Mediterranean countries to its Ljubljana hub. In addition, the company will also continue to service Germany with its “Adria Express” service connecting Asia to Europe via Koper, Rijeka and Trieste. Another well-established, cargo-partner-owned LCL consolidation service links China and Germany by rail, using Duisburg as a regional gateway for east- and westbound transport.

Looking ahead, the logistics provider has placed a strategic focus on strengthening its network in Western Europe, with the new LCL service via Rotterdam representing just one aspect of cargo-partner’s growing portfolio or air, sea, road transport and warehousing solutions in the region.

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of 1.8 billion euro in 2021 and an estimated 2.05 billion euro in 2022 and currently employs 4,000 people worldwide.

New Diesel-Electric Reefer Developed

Posted on 30 January, 202331 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Rotterdam-based Unit45, which works exclusively on the development, construction, financing and delivery of 45ft pallet-wide containers, has developed a new diesel-electric reefer in collaboration with their client, the Belgian logistics solutions’ provider H.Essers.

H.Essers provides personalised and integrated solutions for sustainable transport and logistics across Europe. Essers aims to be a reliable, long-term supply chain partner for clients in various industries. This newly developed diesel electric reefer is highly reliable and was designed with a 900 litre tank, making it 100 litres larger in capacity than the previous version.

The reefer, which features a motor manufactured by Thermo King, has a low fuel consumption and is maintenance friendly. Its high cooling capacity and the possibility to easily control the temperature make it suitable for transporting pharmaceutical products, perishable goods and appliances also for long-distance journeys, for instance as part of the New Silk route.

This unit can remain 18 to 28 days self-supporting, so you do not have to refuel during the travel at all. This is extremely important because in some countries the diesel just does not have the correct quality.

Unit45’s managing director Jan Koolen explains, “Refuelling in Kazakhstan for example can be a challenge, you simply risk the wrong diesel in the tank. Often the diesel is thinned with water. When this freezes the engine will stall.”

Diesel-Electric Reefer

It is intended for use in multimodal operations where rail is featured as, while the cost of moving temperature-controlled cargoes over long distances by road is ever rising, very few rail operators can provide a reliable power supply for all-electric reefers.

“Rail transport in shortsea keep on going steady and that is what we do best. This is not a new development but growth of intermodal transport has been going on for a while now,’ explained Koolen.
The reefer also includes an advance track and trace system to control and record the temperature and the position of the container, as well as any door opening with real-time alerts. The power of UNIT45 is not only her innovation skills but also its flexibility,” said Koolen. This flexibility also results in giving UNIT45 the possibility to accept all types of orders. “When a company has a new idea we are always prepared to join in. Our developers are ready to work with our clients’.”

PD Ports Adds Weekly Europe Service

Posted on 23 January, 2023 by Keith McKinley

PD Ports is delighted to have secured an additional weekly sailing between Rotterdam, Botlek and Teesport thanks to continued collaboration with shipping line A2B-online.

The expansion of the service, which will start from the end of January, will increase sailings on the route to four times per week and increase the total number of containers handled via the route to 40,000 per year, further demonstrating how Teesport acts as the UK’s Northern gateway for international trade.

Building on a long-standing partnership that dates back to 2014, the commitment to an additional vessel call reinforces the confidence that global shippers have in Teesport, and PD Ports.

Kim Catterick, General Manager – Key Accounts at PD Ports, said: “This is fantastic news for PD Ports and for the wider Tees Valley region as it demonstrates how resilient our business, and businesses across the River Tees, are to the current challenges facing the UK economy.

“The addition of another weekly sailing means that we can now provide more opportunities for shippers to import and export their goods to and from Europe whilst taking advantage of our extensive service offering as a reliable trading partner. We look forward to continuing our relationship with A2B and seeing how the business continues to develop.”

This particular service has been connecting Europe and the UK successfully since 2018, in addition to a bi-weekly Moerdijk to Teesport service that sees an extra 12,000 containers imported annually.

Michael van Keulen, Operations Director at A2B-online, praised continued positive collaboration for the success and expansion of the service calls. He said: “After already successfully operating a LoLo container service between Rotterdam, Botlek and Teesport since 2018, this expansion is the next logistical step but it wouldn’t be possible without the good cooperation from our partners at PD Ports. This additional sailing will increase the total capacity on this route to 40,000 containers a year which enables us to serve the growing demand of our large and loyal customer base.”

The news of an additional weekly service comes just a month after PD Ports, owner and operator of Teesport, also announced a brand new weekly service from the Baltics.

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