Cargill invests in world’s first fully electric vessel transporting cocoa supplies from Amsterdam
pic: Cargill
Cargill has established a deal with Kotug International to deliver the world’s first fully electric pusher boat and barges tasked with transporting cocoa beans between the Port of Amsterdam and the international group’s cocoa factory based in Zaandam, the Netherlands, writes Neill Barston.
As previously reported, the business, which is set to feature in our World Confectionery Conference this autumn, has developed extensive chocolate capabilities over the past two decades as part of its global activities, with the business unveiling its House of Chocolate research and development site in Mouscron, Belgium last summer.
The zero-emission vessel, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge propulsion systems, eliminates harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM), as well as eliminating noise pollution.
According to Cargill, the fully electric pusher boats and barges are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 190.000 kg per year, the equivalent of 15 000 one-way trips by truck from the Port of Amsterdam to Cargill’s cocoa factory in Zaandam. The boats will run on green energy from the wind farm that Cargill and Vattenfall operate in partnership with Windpark Hanze.
“Cargill is committed to nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Electrifying the transportation of our cocoa beans is just one example of how we are implementing new, innovative sustainable practices to reduce our impact on the planet and protect people. The KOTUG E-pusher Type M is the first-of-its-kind and Cargill is excited to be a partner in launching it in the Netherlands,” says Emiel van Dijk, Managing Director Cocoa & Chocolate Europe & West Africa.
Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG International said: “I would like to express our gratitude to Cargill for their partnership and unwavering support in this transformative endeavor. Together, we are making history and reshaping the future of maritime transportation. This ground-breaking achievement aligns with our mission to provide sustainable solutions to the maritime industry. By introducing the world’s first zero emission vessel of this set-up we aim to inspire other shipping companies, governments, and stakeholders to embrace clean energy solutions and make significant strides towards achieving the global climate goals for the next generation.”