In line with our vision for clean shipping, our goal is to achieve emission-free shipping in the Amsterdam port area by 2050. This means that ships in our port will not emit pollutants that harm air quality or contribute to global warming. To accomplish this, we are committed to becoming a multi-fuel port, facilitating the safe and efficient bunkering of new clean marine fuels, even those that are currently less familiar.
To be ready as a port for alternative fuels like hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia, several factors must be considered, including fuel availability and the required infrastructure. However, ensuring the safety of bunkering operations is a crucial aspect. Given current legislation and competition for urban and industrial space, ports must plan ahead when designing and implementing future bunkering infrastructure to accommodate ships.
In light of these considerations, the Port of Amsterdam has commissioned studies to assess safety distances for Ship-to-Ship and Truck-to-Ship bunker operations. These studies aim to provide a detailed analysis of the risks associated with each expected low carbon fuel of the future.
The results of these studies highlight the significant spatial safety considerations that need to be taken into account when designing zero-carbon fuel bunkering infrastructure in city ports. They offer valuable insights into the steps that ports should consider when determining the location of bunkering berths for new fuels, particularly when existing port terminal infrastructure is primarily situated near urban or business office areas.
The findings of these studies will enable ports to establish safe distances between bunker locations and their surrounding areas, providing guidance for planning bunkering hubs for both ship-to-ship and truck-to-ship operations. These reports can assist other port in advancing the maritime industry’s transition towards cleaner fuels, leading to decarbonization and improved air quality.