ABB has been selected to deliver a record shore power installation, advancing port electrification and emissions reduction across major container terminals in the Port of Rotterdam.
The company has signed contracts with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP), a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and Dutch energy company Eneco, to engineer and construct large-scale shore power systems with a combined capacity exceeding 100 MVA.
“We are excited to work together with ABB on this breakthrough project for RSP,” said Ina Barge and Tiemo Arkesteijn, co-chief executive officers of Rotterdam Shore Power.
“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.”
EU compliance
The project will strengthen port infrastructure while enabling compliance with the EU FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which mandates the use of shore power or equivalent zero-emission technologies from 2030.
Scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2028, the tailored solution will serve three deep-sea container terminals at Europe’s largest port.
ABB will provide 35 shore power connection points across APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax, enabling up to 32 container ships to connect simultaneously during cargo operations.
The contracts, booked in December 2025, also include multi-year service agreements, although financial terms have not been disclosed.
ABB’s scope covers design, prefabrication, installation, commissioning and testing, supported by a SCADA system for monitoring, control and accurate energy billing.
Prefabricated components will minimise operational disruption, while scalable infrastructure allows future growth and renewable energy integration.
According to Rotterdam Shore Power, using shore power for at least 90% of vessels’ moored time could cut annual carbon dioxide emissions at the port by an estimated 96,000 tonnes from 2030, while also eliminating noise pollution and improving local air quality.
