The Port of Rotterdam has set its goal on becoming climate neutral in 2050. That comprises also the decarbonization of road transport within the port area and towards the hinterland. One of the spear tips in that matter is the electrification of heavy duty road transport.
This chicken and the egg causality dilemma describes best the motivation behind the initiative to develop a charging hub for heavy duty vehicles within the Port of Rotterdam area: “Without electric vehicles there is no demand for public charging infrastructure and without that infrastructure electric trucks will not come to the port area”. Instead of waiting for the market to act, the PoR showed vision and leadership by taking responsibility and acting accordingly to break that dilemma. The PoR took upon itself the initiative, coordination, funding and marketing in the realization of a pilot project for heavy duty truck charging infrastructure.
Restriction in available land within the port area logically led to combine truck charging with other driver services. Choosing the Waalhaven Truckparking for its strategic location regarding the port area, the hinterland and the city of Rotterdam. The charging hub grid connection is future proof in expansion of the infrastructure. Currently supporting eight charging/parking spaces. After 4 months of exploitation the business case for expansions can already be made and projects are started for other hubs.
This project contributes primarily to the SDG goals 7 and 9 and secondary to goals 8, 11, and 13. To make the world part of our experiences we actively share knowledge with European and North American mainports. The PoR participates in initiatives and programs on municipal, regional, national and international level. The PoR tries to understand, guide and challenge shipping agencies, terminals and transport companies within the port in their efforts in decarbonization.