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.
The combined shore power systems are expected to be the largest in the world to date based on total capacity, over 100 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 5,000gt to use onshore power supply or equivalent zero-emission technology in EU ports starting from 1 January 2030.
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 includes a multi-year service agreement for each terminal.
In addition to designing, delivering and installing the shore power systems, ABB will be responsible for commissioning and testing on site. Prefabricated solutions are expected to 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 includes its supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which will provide monitoring and control of the shore power system, as well as tracking energy usage for accurate customer billing.
Based on calculations by RSP, by using shore power for at least 90% of moored time, annual CO2 emissions for the vessels calling at the three deep-sea container terminals can be reduced by an estimated 96,000t from 2030. This will ease noise pollution and improve air quality in the harbour area, leading to a better working and living environment.
Ina Barge and Tiemo Arkesteijn, RSP Co-CEOs, said: “We are excited to work together with ABB on this breakthrough project for RSP. 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.”
Rune Braastad, President, ABB Marine & Ports division, added: “This large-scale, multi-installation project for Rotterdam Shore Power demonstrates ABB’s expertise in delivering shore power from concept to connection. Our efficient, proven end-to-end solutions cover everything from design and commissioning to maintenance and support, while minimising disruption to operations during the installation phase. We are proud to contribute to the Port of Rotterdam’s decarbonisation journey in what represents a significant step towards realising the EU’s ambition for emission-free ports.”
Image: Patrick Vloemans, Haydi Galvez (Business Line Ports in ABB’s Marine and Ports division), Ina Barge, Tiemo Arkesteijn (RSP) (credit Rotterdam Shore Power)
