Zero Emission Services (ZES), in cooperation with Nedcargo and Inland Terminals Group (ITG), has launched ZES 2.0, a service for fully electric inland cargo transport. The next phase of the program introduces more powerful containerized batteries, creating a more efficient and cost-effective model for the shipping industry.
ZESpacks 2.0 are swappable battery containers. The first exchange stations opened on September 17 in Alphen aan den Rijn, Alblasserdam, and Den Bosch (the Netherlands). Additional terminals in Rotterdam, Moerdijk, and Nijmegen will soon follow, creating a reliable network to make electric inland shipping more accessible.
The key advantage is that vessels no longer need to wait for recharging — batteries are swapped instead, significantly speeding up delivery times. Operators only pay for the electricity consumed, making battery-powered inland shipping more financially attractive. A subsidy program is also available for shipowners switching to electric propulsion.
The first vessel to be equipped with swappable battery containers was the Den Bosch Max Groen, built by Concordia Damen and delivered in January 2021. The vessel measures 90 meters in length and 11.5 meters in width, with a capacity of 132 TEU, which is 24 TEU more than earlier inland vessels of similar size.
The project’s initial phase began with a partnership to transport cargo for Heineken. Each year, Nedcargo ships around 2.5 billion bottles of Heineken beer to the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. Battery use cuts CO₂ emissions by 800 tons annually.
The vessel operates between Den Bosch and the port of Rotterdam, covering a route of about 60 miles each way. According to ITG CEO Eduard Bakker, battery-powered ships are ideal for short shuttle routes, while hydrogen vessels are better suited for long-distance transport. With the upcoming EU CO₂ emissions trading system (ETS-2), this transition also offers financial benefits for shippers.
