- ABB to engineer and construct shore power systems in Port of Rotterdam with total capacity of more than 100 MVA
- Tailored solution to serve three container terminals at Europe’s largest port from the second half of 2028
- Installations will help to significantly reduce emissions and noise pollution
ABB has signed contracts with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP), a joint venture by the Port of Rotterdam and Eneco, an international energy company headquartered in the Netherlands, to engineer and construct shore power systems comprising multiple installations for the Port of Rotterdam.
Credit: ABB
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) – image credit Rotterdam Shore Power
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). 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 5,000 gross tonnage to use onshore power supply or equivalent zero-emission technology in EU ports starting from 1 January 20301.
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.
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.
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 90 percent 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 tons from 20302. This will also eliminate noise pollution and significantly improve air quality in the harbor area, leading to a better working and living environment.
“We are excited to work together with ABB on this breakthrough project for RSP,” commented 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. Rotterdam is a frontrunner in electrification at this scale.”
“This large-scale, multi-installation project for Rotterdam Shore Power demonstrates ABB’s expertise in delivering shore power from concept to connection,” said Rune Braastad, President, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “Our efficient, proven end-to-end solutions cover everything from design and commissioning to maintenance and support, while minimizing disruption to operations during the installation phase. We are proud to contribute to the Port of Rotterdam’s decarbonization journey in what represents a significant step towards realizing the EU’s ambition for emission-free ports.”
1 Decarbonising maritime transport – FuelEU Maritime - Mobility and Transport