ABB has signed contracts with Rotterdam Shore Power to engineer and construct shore power systems comprising multiple installations for the Port of Rotterdam. The combined shore power systems are expected to be the largest in the world to date based on total capacity, over 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA).
Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP) is a joint venture of the Port of Rotterdam and Eneco, an international energy company headquartered in the Netherlands.
The installations will help to significantly reduce emissions in the Port of Rotterdam and support compliance with the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. The legislation will require all container and passenger ships above 5000 gross tonnage to use onshore power supply or equivalent zero-emission technology in EU ports starting from 1 January 2030.
Also read: ‘European ports must do more to meet shore power targets’
Charging 32 container ships at once
Scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2028, the custom-designed solutions will deliver power across three deep-sea container terminals at Europe’s largest port. Providing power at 35 connection points across APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT) facility and Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax terminals, ABB’s shore power systems will be able to charge up to 32 container ships simultaneously during loading and unloading operations.
The deal also includes a multi-year service agreement for each terminal. The contracts were booked in December 2025. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Also read: Cruise ships in Rotterdam can now plug into shore power
Monitoring and control system
In addition to designing, delivering and installing the shore power systems, ABB will be responsible for commissioning and testing on site. Prefabricated solutions will reduce installation time, keeping operational disruption to a minimum, while infrastructure is scalable to meet future growth needs and integration with renewable energy sources.
ABB’s scope of supply also includes its supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which will provide monitoring and control of the shore power system, as well as track energy usage for accurate customer billing.
Also read: Ships at APMT MVII plug into shore power from 2028
Reducing emissions by 96,000 metric tonnes
ABB’s shore connection allows vessels to turn off their engines while at berth. Based on calculations by Rotterdam Shore Power, by using shore power for at least ninety per cent of moored time, annual carbon dioxide emissions for the vessels calling at the three deep-sea container terminals can be reduced by an estimated 96,000 metric tonnes from 2030. This will also eliminate noise pollution and significantly improve air quality in the harbour area, leading to a better working and living environment.
‘We are excited to work together with ABB on this breakthrough project for RSP,’ state Ina Barge and Tiemo Arkesteijn, Co-Chief Executive Officers of RSP. ‘Based on deep knowledge and a proven track record, we can help make shore power available to all vessels calling at the APMT and ECT terminals at the Port of Rotterdam, reducing carbon dioxide emissions substantially as a result. Rotterdam is a frontrunner in electrification at this scale.’
Picture: Patrick Vloemans, Haydi Galvez (Business Line Ports in ABB’s Marine and Ports division), Ina Barge, Tiemo Arkesteijn (Co-Chief Executive Officers of Rotterdam Shore Power) (photo by Rotterdam Shore Power).
