Green Award for the Crane Vessel Empressa: A Sustainable Example in Inland Shipping
Author: Jeroen Berger • Publication date:
In 2017, the family-owned company A.J. van Vliet & Zn. was awarded the prestigious Green Award for the crane vessel Empressa. This recognition not only underscored the Ouderkerk-based company’s commitment to sustainable business practices but also paved the way for a multi-year contract with the Port of Rotterdam. Specializing in dredging, lifting operations, construction work, and the installation of sheet piling and foundation piles, the company received expert support from Berger Maritiem for this process.
“Who wouldn’t want to say they operate the most fuel-efficient and cleanest vessel in the Port of Rotterdam?” said father Hans van Vliet at the time with a smile. Together with his son Jarno, he proudly accepted the Green Award certificate. “The Green Award program uses a dynamic set of requirements that are regularly tightened. Our Empressa already met stricter standards than were required at the time,” Hans explained.
Jarno added: “The certification is valid for three years, but we already knew back then that we would continue to comply with the applicable emission standards — including the EU Stage V regulation — even after that period.” An impressive achievement, especially considering that the Empressa was built in 1964. At the time, Green Awards were primarily granted to newly built vessels.
Nevertheless, the Empressa, with a length of 55 meters, a beam of 9.5 meters, and 25-meter-long spud poles, remained continuously modernized and up to date. The vessel had already been VCA-certified for six years and underwent another major sustainability upgrade in preparation for the Green Award certification.
What Sustainability Measures Were Implemented?
To qualify for the Green Award, the propulsion engine was fitted with an SCR catalyst and a diesel particulate filter as part of the exhaust after-treatment system. Both systems were supplied by a partner of Berger Maritiem. Independent measurements showed that the emission levels were already below the future EU Stage V standards. In addition, two new generator sets and a new bow thruster engine were installed. As a result of these measures, the vessel began operating 80 to 90 percent cleaner.
The Value of a Green Award
The Green Award not only enhanced the company’s public image but also offered financial benefits, such as reduced port dues and stronger positioning in public tenders. “Sustainability is increasingly being recognized and rewarded,” noted Hans van Vliet. “We clearly had an edge in the bidding process.”
How Berger Maritiem Provides Support
Berger Maritiem began by analyzing the existing onboard situation of the Empressa. From there, an action plan and feasibility study were developed, covering all technical, operational, and financial aspects. With this guidance, the Van Vliet family was able to make a well-informed decision that resulted in a sustainable and future-proof solution.
Read also the case study: Green Award for Crane Vessel Rival (1965)
Want to see how other inland vessels have become more sustainable? Visit our project highlights page to discover concrete examples of emission reduction, fuel savings, and innovative technologies onboard. See how measures like SCR catalysts and diesel particulate filters — as implemented on the Empressa — combined with other green technologies, contribute to more efficient and cleaner operations.