ABB is set to engineer and construct shore power systems in the Port of Rotterdam with a total capacity of more than 100MVA. The tailored solution will serve three deep-sea container terminals at the largest port of Europe from the second half of 2028.
The contract was signed with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP), a joint venture by the Port of Rotterdam and Eneco, an international energy company headquartered in Rotterdam.
The combined shore power systems are expected to be the largest in the world on total capacity and will help to significantly reduce emissions in the port while also supporting 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 January 1, 2030.
Providing power at 35 connection points across APM Terminals’ Maasvlakte II (APMT) facility and Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and ECT Euromax terminals, ABB’s shore power systems will 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, with financial terms undisclosed.
As well as designing, delivering and installing the power systems, ABB will be responsible for commissioning and testing on-site. Prefabricated solutions are in place to reduce installation time, reduce operational disruption and ensure that infrastructure ins scalable to meet future growth needs and integration with renewable energy sources. ABB will also supply its supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA), 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% 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 2030. This will also eliminate noise pollution and improve air quality in the harbor area.
“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 and 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 toward realizing the EU’s ambition for emission-free ports.”
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