Rotterdam Sets a New Global Benchmark with the World’s Largest Shore Power Project

The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest and busiest port, is taking a decisive step toward maritime decarbonization. Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP)—a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and Dutch energy company Eneco—has selected ABB to engineer and construct what will become the world’s largest shore power project by total capacity.

With a combined capacity exceeding 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA), the project marks a major milestone in the global transition to cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable port operations.

A Landmark Project at Unprecedented Scale

The custom-designed shore power systems will serve three major deep-sea container terminals—APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, Hutchison Ports ECT Delta, and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax. Scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2028, the installations will provide power at 35 connection points, enabling up to 32 container vessels to plug in simultaneously while at berth.

By allowing ships to switch off their auxiliary engines during loading and unloading, the systems will dramatically cut emissions, noise, and local air pollution across the harbor area.

Supporting FuelEU Maritime and Beyond

The project directly supports compliance with the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which will require container and passenger ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to use onshore power supply or equivalent zero-emission technologies at EU ports starting 1 January 2030.

According to updated estimates by Rotterdam Shore Power, if vessels use shore power for at least 90 percent of their time at berth, annual carbon dioxide emissions at the three terminals could be reduced by approximately 96,000 metric tons from 2030 onward—an impact equivalent to taking tens of thousands of cars off the road each year.

Smart, Scalable and Future-Ready Infrastructure

ABB’s scope of work extends from design and engineering to installation, commissioning, and on-site testing, supported by multi-year service agreements for each terminal. Prefabricated solutions will minimize installation time and operational disruption, while the infrastructure is designed to be scalable, allowing for future expansion and integration with renewable energy sources.

The project also includes ABB’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, providing real-time monitoring, control, and precise energy-use tracking—ensuring operational efficiency and accurate customer billing.

Industry Leaders on a Shared Vision

“This is a breakthrough project for Rotterdam Shore Power,” said Ina Barge and Tiemo Arkesteijn, Co-Chief Executive Officers of RSP. “Working with ABB, we can make shore power available to all vessels calling at these major terminals, substantially reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Rotterdam is clearly a frontrunner in electrification at this scale.”

Echoing this sentiment, Rune Braastad, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, added: “This project demonstrates ABB’s expertise in delivering shore power from concept to connection. We are proud to support the Port of Rotterdam’s decarbonization journey and contribute to the EU’s ambition of emission-free ports.”

A Defining Moment for Global Maritime Decarbonization

As ports worldwide face mounting regulatory pressure and climate responsibility, Rotterdam’s shore power initiative stands out as a global reference project—not only for its scale, but for its integrated, future-ready design.

By combining advanced electrification, digital monitoring, and long-term service support, ABB and Rotterdam Shore Power are redefining what clean port infrastructure looks like—setting a powerful precedent for sustainable maritime trade in the decades ahead.