Global engineering giant ABB has secured contracts to design and build what is set to become the world’s largest shore power system at the Port of Rotterdam. This marks a major step in the port’s drive to cut emissions and meet upcoming EU climate rules.
The agreements were signed with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP), a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and Dutch energy company Eneco. The combined installations will deliver more than 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA) of capacity, making them the largest shore power systems globally based on total output.
Once operational in the second half of 2028, the custom-built systems will supply electricity to three deep-sea container terminals across Europe’s largest port.
ABB will install 35 shore power connection points at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax, enabling up to 32 container ships to plug in simultaneously while loading and unloading. The contracts were booked in December 2025 and include multi-year service agreements for each terminal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The project is designed to support compliance with the EU’s FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which from 1 January 2030 will require container and passenger ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to use onshore power supply or equivalent zero-emission technologies while berthed in EU ports.
ABB will handle the full scope of work, including engineering, delivery, installation, commissioning and on-site testing.
Prefabricated components are expected to shorten installation timelines and minimize disruption to port operations. The infrastructure is scalable to support future growth and integration with renewable energy sources, while ABB’s SCADA system will provide real-time monitoring, control and accurate energy billing.
By allowing vessels to shut down their engines at berth, the shore power systems are expected to deliver significant environmental benefits.
According to Rotterdam Shore Power, using shore power for at least 90 percent of moored time could cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 96,000 metric tons from 2030 across the three terminals. Noise pollution would also be eliminated, with major improvements to local air quality.
“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.”
