By
Laura Hyde |
ABB is to engineer and construct the world’s largest shore power facility at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP) is a joint venture by the Port of Rotterdam and Eneco, an international energy company headquartered in the Netherlands. It will consist of multiple installations with a total capacity of over 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA) and is expected to be operational in the second half of 2028.
The shore power system will help reduce emissions in the Port of Rotterdam and support compliance with the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which requires all passenger and container ships above 5,000gt to use onshore power supply from 1 January 2030. Based on RSP’s calculations, if vessels calling at the port’s three deep-sea container terminals use shore power for at least 90 per cent of their moored time, it will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 96,000 metric tons from 2030.
The system will provide power at 35 connection points, capable of supplying power to up to 32 container ships simultaneously, across APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT) facility and Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax terminals. The deal also includes a multi-year service agreement for each terminal.
“This large-scale, multi-installation project for RSP demonstrates ABB’s expertise in delivering shore power from concept to connection,” said Rune Braastad, president of ABB’s Marine and Ports division. “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 European Union’s ambition for emission-free ports.”