Shell opens first self-developed dual-use megawatt charger in Amsterdam

June 19, 2024, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

Anglo-Dutch energy major Shell has inaugurated its first self-developed megawatt charger for dual use by both shipping vessels and electric trucks at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA) in the Netherlands.

Integrated into ETCA’s power and hydrogen value chain, the Shell Megawatt Charger provides a crucial additional charging facility for local operators, and facilitates end-to-end testing for high-power charging solutions across marine and road transport sectors.

Integrated into a smart grid, it’s also proves that innovative electrification solutions can be used to solve complex urban transport needs in grid-congested areas.

The capacity of the megawatt charger corresponds to about three 350 kW.

The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is equipped with two separate charging arms. One rotatable arm is dedicated to electric vessels, the other arm serves heavy-duty electric trucks and buses.

With this innovation, Shell aims to contribute to a universal standard so customers do not have to use different cables or connectors. By featuring a second adapter (CCS2) on each charging arm, the megawatt charger at the ETCA can accommodate a wide range of vessels, vehicles and battery types for fast and flexible charging. Even though the megawatt charger is a demonstration set-up, it is ready for use, and vehicles and vessels with megawatt charging capability can now visit by appointment.

As informed, vessels with 500kWh to 5MWh batteries can fully recharge within two hours.

“We want to help decarbonise our customers in the logistics sector,” Hilmar van den Dool, General Manager eMobility at Shell, commented.

“In addition to our investments in biofuels and LNG, we also invest in electric mobility. There are not that many electric trucks and vessels yet, so with this we’re investing ahead of the market that is growing quickly. It is in line with our ambition to provide more and cleaner energy solutions.”

“We believe this solution will be helpful for shipping companies that control and operate logistics businesses across the supply chain, and often have facilities that serve both waterside and landside. The megawatt charger also offers the flexibility to charge a wide range of inland and port vessels such as barges, tugboats, service vessels and ferries. I’m excited at how the technology is now available, and deployed,” Melissa Williams, President at Shell Marine, said.

The megawatt charger is connected to ETCA’s own microgrid. This smart grid enables integration between energy supply, energy storage, and energy demand. The ETCA microgrid includes 3,600 rooftop solar panels, stationary battery storage, 119 EV chargers for cars, a hydrogen electrolyser and other research equipment.