This project is part of our broader strategy to keep the Netherlands both clean and accessible, cuts carbon emissions by 800 tonnes a year.
The Inland Terminals Group (ITG) has launched fully emission-free container transport on the inland waterways with Zero Emission Services (ZES) and Nedcargo. Inland vessel MS Den Bosch Max Groen will sail with exchangeable battery containers on board – with this electric propulsion system, no carbon, nitrogen, or particulate matter is emitted – marking a significant sustainable boost for inland shipping.
ZES offers an innovative solution for making inland shipping more sustainable through mobile, swappable battery containers (Zespacks), which provide inland vessels with clean energy without long charging times. Michael Beemer, CEO of ZES, said it’s their mission to make inland shipping emission-free. “We are achieving this with support from the National Growth Fund and the Province of South Holland. With our pay-per-use model, shipowners pay only for the energy they actually consume.” He added that this marks the switch to battery-electric sailing, financially more attractive, a subsidy scheme is available for shipowners.
“Together with partners such as Heineken and CCT, we have optimised the operation of battery-powered vessels. With the introduction of ZES 2.0, we are ready for the next phase. Vessels can now swap containers at three locations: Alphen aan den Rijn, Alblasserdam, and Den Bosch. More terminals will soon follow in Rotterdam, Moerdijk, and Nijmegen. This establishes a robust network that makes battery-electric inland shipping more accessible.”
Arne Weverling, Provincial Executive of South Holland, said they support this initiative with a clear goal – a healthier and more livable province. “At the same time, we ensure that inland shipping remains future-proof and competitive, so that waterborne transport continues to be a sustainable and attractive alternative in a province where road congestion is ever-increasing.”
Clean and Accessible Netherlands
Eduard Backer, CEO of ITG, highlighted that by working together with ZES, Heineken, and Nedcargo, they are achieving their sustainability ambitions. “This project is part of our broader strategy to keep the Netherlands both clean and accessible. It cuts carbon emissions by 800 tonnes a year. That momentum must be carried forward. With battery swapping stations at our terminals, we are making a concrete contribution to lowering emissions. Alblasserdam is an ideal location for battery swaps close to the port. Our terminals also have the capacity to grow in volume, helping to ease congestion on the roads.”
He said shippers can rapidly reduce their Scope 3 emissions by choosing waterborne transport. “Alongside this battery-electric vessel, our group also operates a hydrogen-powered ship. Hydrogen is suited to longer distances, while battery containers are ideal for shorter shuttle services. Waterborne transport is the path to a lower footprint. And with the upcoming carbon levy (ETS-2), this will also bring financial benefits for shippers.”
Piet-Hein Timp, Procurement Manager for Sustainability and Energy at Heineken, said they are committed to decarbonizing their supply chain. “The collaboration between ITG, ZES, and Nedcargo is a fine example. We started transporting containers by inland shipping in 2010. It is a positive development that ITG, in addition to CCT, is now also enabling battery-electric inland container transport. We hope to inspire other shippers also to make use of this sustainable option.”
