The Dutch Port of Moerdijk is getting a state-sponsored zero-emission shunting pilot. The port says that it has the ambition to develop a net emission-free rail corridor, and so it would be happy to use battery shunting locomotives. The pilot also offers the port the opportunity to highlight current shunting limitations.
In late 2024, the Dutch government decided to support rail projects in the Port of Moerdijk, which was accompanied by a total investment of 1,8 million euros. More than a third of that money will go to the so-called Zero Emission Shunting pilot, at 665,000 euros.
“The Port of Moerdijk welcomes the commitments from the national government to invest substantially in rail projects that strengthen the logistical clout of the port”, the port said at the time. The investments “underline the importance of the Port of Moerdijk as a vital gateway to the hinterland.”
Start in late 2025
The port is aiming for a Q4 start of the pilot. However, that also depends on the availability of a battery locomotive and the required permits. Arno van Deursen, project manager at the Port of Moerdijk, explains that the port wants to see the battery locomotive in action in order to assess its power usage, ease of use and its performance compared to diesel locomotives. Additionally, the pilot should give an indication of the reduction in nitrogen emissions. Environmental regulations now preclude the construction of 740-metre rail yard infrastructure, but lower emissions could make that possible.
But, for the Port of Moerdijk, there is an important -and unintended- added benefit: the pilot may help put shunting issues on the agenda. Van Deursen explains that the port’s rail infrastructure is all considered to be mainline rails. As a consequence, locomotives operating in the port need to be cleared for the entire network. “That means higher requirements for the locomotive, which makes them more expensive.”
Opening up possibilities
A battery-only locomotive cleared for the entire network will be quite costly. “For Moerdijk, testing the zero-emission shunting locomotive is an opportunity to highlight this issue. If the port’s rail infrastructure would no longer be considered mainline rail, then it would open up new locomotive possibilities.” In other words, a locomotive that is cheaper in use and in terms of purchasing price and maintenance could then be an option – including more sustainable alternatives.