Key Challenges
At the start of the InnoWatr project, FFC4 worked on setting up an operational pilot for transporting 80,000 tons of household waste by water from the collection site in Vlaardingen to the processing site of OMRIN in Heerenveen.
Due to the no suitable transshipment location in Vlaardingen, capex costs too high, and delay in the permit process for the quay in Heerenveen), this project has been parked till further notice.
To face this challenge the FF4 will not focus on just one Freightflow but make an inventory of promising flows on a national level starting with cocoa beans in the Zaandam Area and the flow of OMRIN waste between Heerenveen and Harlingen.
On September 20th 2024, a boat trip was organized for start of transportation of cocoa beans on the Zaan using the unique concept of the Electric KOTUG E-Pusher. On board were around 60 relevant stakeholders to form an FFC at the national level: the Dutch FFC.
FFC4 Objectives
Why?
The main objective for the Dutch FFC is to increase the volume of emission free and economic viable transportation of waste -and other bulk cargo- by regional waterways using emission free E-Pusher/Barge combinations.
How?
The Dutch FFC develops a reusable methodology for greening these freightflows within an everyday operational environment, taking into account business models, permits, and the interests of governments, citizens, and commercial partners: The Blue Lane Living Lab. Although this makes the proces complex, the approach also ensures a high chance of operational implementation and allows the development to go beyond experimentation.
Where?
In any (inter)national region with promising freight flows that can be migrated to emission free transportation by water. Main condition is a freight owner willing to make the first step and – in if the business case is positive - has the intention to close a long term contract for transportation by water.
Project Partners
OMRIN: Freight owner & circular waste collector, transporter and processor
KOTUG: International: Shipowner & developer of the modular emission free E Pusher Range
MHS foundation: a long term program in which the provinces of South Holland, North Holland, Utrecht, Fryslan and Groningen are collaborating to improve the accessibility of urban areas with minimal harmful emissions by better utilizing existing waterways.
What makes this FFC special?
"The unique modular concept of the E-Pusher Range”
“Using the Blue Lane methodology to create regional economic value”
Leatest news
The inland shipping sector welcomes a remarkable innovation: the introduction of an advanced Rope Picker Robot as a new crew member aboard ships. The robot supports the crew during mooring. This innovation, led by Auto Mooring Solutions (AMS) in collaboration with the Maritime Academy in Harlingen and developed within the Interreg North Sea project InnoWatr, co-funded by the European Union, promises not only more efficient and safer mooring but also opens the door to more cost-effective and environmentally friendly inland shipping.