Ocean-going cruise ships fitted with shore power installations can now plug into shore power at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA). The new installation allows ships to switch off their generators as soon as they dock, significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution.
From 2027, the use of shore power will become mandatory at this location, three years earlier than European regulations require.
If a cruise ship uses shore power, the moored ship will no longer have to use its own engines for power. This significantly reduces emissions at the quayside. At 100 calls per year, this amounts to a reduction of about 3 tonnes of particulate matter, 100 tonnes of nitrogen and 4.8 kilotonnes of CO2. Because generators are switched off, it also saves on noise.
Hester van Buren, Alderman for the port: ‘I am very pleased that the PTA and the port authority have taken such a dynamic step to install shore-based power here. It shows what is possible when you share ambitions and join forces. This installation is tangible proof that sustainability is not something of tomorrow, but of today.’
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4.4 km of cable under the IJ
Construction of the installation started in May 2023 and was completed in early 2025. Danish company Powercon A/S supplied the installation, with BAM Infra Nederland as subcontractor. Network operator Liander laid a total of 4.4 km of cable under the IJ, between a substation in Amsterdam-North and the PTA on the Veemkade. Another 8 km of cable lies under the quay and jetty decks. The installation was partly made possible by subsidies from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the European Commission.
‘With the commissioning of shore power, we are taking a big step towards a quieter, cleaner and more sustainable port,’ states Dick de Graaff, Director Cruise Port Amsterdam. ‘This is good for residents, visitors and the climate and proves that our cruise terminal has the innovative power to shape the future of responsible tourism.’
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Smart Energy Hub
A Smart Energy Hub has been built on the quay of the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam. This building houses the grid operator’s installations, transformers and shore power installations. From here, the quayside electricity cabinets are supplied with power. With the Cable Management System, a total of 50 metres of cable can be rolled out of the shore power cabinet and connected to the ship. The green power comes, among others, from wind farm Ruigoord in the Amsterdam port.
In addition to being used for ocean-going cruise ships, the Port of Amsterdam is exploring how the power point can be used in other ways. Options under consideration include the further electrification of the cruise chain (such as coaches), but also helping the city become more sustainable.
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Contribution to climate goals
Ocean-going cruise ships that can already connect to shore power will be given priority in Amsterdam. From 2027, Port of Amsterdam will mandate the use of shore power for cruises. Thus, by commissioning this shore power installation, Port of Amsterdam is contributing to the city’s ambition to be climate neutral by 2050.
Picture: The shore power installation was officially opened by Alderman Port Hester van Buren on Tuesday 3 June (photo by Port of Amsterdam).
