Page 30 - Navigator 2021

ROB VERKERK
BY MEANS OF A RECENTLY LAUNCHED MASTER PLAN, THE DUTCH MARITIME SECTOR AIMS TO ACQUIRE AN INTERNATI- ONALLY LEADING POSITION IN SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING. AS PART OF THE PROCESS TOWARDS A CLEAN, DIGITAL FUTURE, 50 ZERO-EMISSION DEMONSTRATION SHIPS OF DUTCH ORIGIN MUST BE IN COMMISSION BY 2030. CHAIRMAN ROB VERKERK OF MARITIME BY HOLLAND IS EAGERLY ANTICIPATING THE MO- MENT THEY ARE ACTUALLY SAILING.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE MASTER PLAN ENTAIL?
“The components of the Master Plan range from the application
of alternative fuel systems (hydrogen, methanol and ammonia) to autonomous sailing and from the capture of CO2 to sailing with wind support,” summarises Rob Verkerk. “But the plan also addresses the sustainability and digitisation of the production chain itself, as well as the knowledge and skills of the necessary personnel. Ultimately, all these elements combined are to result in 50 operational demonstration vessels by 2030, both through new construction and through the conversion (retrofit) of existing vessels; the acquired know-how will be consolidated for the future. The government will serve as launching customer. The Ministry of Defence and Rijksrederij (Government Shipping Company) plan to put twenty zero-emission ships into service.”
WHY HAS THE MASTERPLAN BEEN LAUNCHED DURING THE CORONA PANDEMIC?
“Of course, the energy transition and the need for sustainability are and will continue to be leading in this respect,” explains Verkerk. “However, the corona crisis is an excellent opportunity to keep the momentum going. The normal reflex in a crisis is to cut costs, often
with zero-emission, digital future
at the expense of innovation. But innovation is actually required to break the impasse and accelerate the energy transition. Implementing the plan will make knowledge and experience related to new technologies widely available, thereby strengthening the international competitiveness of our sector.”
To accelerate the energy transition, sustainability and digitisation
go hand in hand, emphasises Verkerk. “Our aim is to have fifty zero- emission ships out on the water by 2030, manufactured in sustainable production chains that are characterised by far-reaching robotisation and a circular approach. All this controlled by people who - with the help of digitisation - are able to work even more efficiently. That is essentially one single package.”
Through continuous smart monitoring of the status of the equipment, digitisation must also make maintenance more predictable. Furthermore, digitisation forms the basis for autonomous sailing. It can also contribute to safety and help to more efficiently make use
of the available space on the water. Verkerk: “After all, it is getting busier and busier on the water. This applies to both inland waterways and the North Sea, where more and more parties are claiming space, for example for wind farms. In addition, we are faced with a shrinking labour force. Digitisation can help to do more with the people who are available.”
HOW IS THE MASTER PLAN FUNDED?
“The financial foundation of the plan consists of 350 million euros in co-financing by the government. This is offset by a multitude of private investments. The first phase comprises R&D, for which an R&D scheme of 150 million euros is available from the government. This is not just
30 NAVIGATOR NL 2021 N°21
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