Home 9 Renewable Energy 9 ABB Wins Rotterdam Shore Power Contract

ABB Wins Rotterdam Shore Power Contract

by | Jan 8, 2026

Shore power systems exceeding 100 MVA will supply electricity to docked vessels, reduce port emissions, support FuelEU compliance, and enable engine shutdown during berth operations across major container terminals
Image: ABB

ZURICH, Switzerland, Jan 8, 2026 – ABB has signed contracts with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP) to build shore power systems at the Port of Rotterdam. Rotterdam Shore Power is a joint venture between the port authority and Dutch company Eneco.

The combined shore power systems totaling more than 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA) are expected to form the largest installation based on total capacity, worldwide. The installations will reduce port emissions and support compliance with the FuelEU maritime requirements. Under the regulation, container and passenger vessels above 5,000 gross tonnage must use onshore power or zero-emission technology in EU ports starting from 1 Jan, 2030..

Operations are set to begin in the second half of 2028 at three deep-sea container terminals at Europe’s largest port. The shore power systems will deliver electricity through 35 connection points across APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT) facility and the Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax  terminals. ABB’s shore power systems will charge up to 32 container ships simultaneously during cargo operations. The contracts, booked in Dec’2025, include multi-year service agreements for each terminal.

ECT Euromax terminal. Image: ABB

ABB will manage system design, delivery, installation, and on-site commissioning of the shore power infrastructure. Prefabricated components will reduce installation time and minimize disruption, while scalable infrastructure supports future expansion and renewable energy integration. The scope also includes a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to control operations, monitor performance, and track energy consumption for customer billing.

By allowing ships to switch off engines while at berth, ABB’s shore power systems can lower emissions. Rotterdam Shore Power estimates that using shore power for at least 90% of moored time could reduce annual CO₂ emissions by roughly 96,000 metric tons from 2030 across the three deep-sea container terminals. The change is also expected to reduce noise pollution and improve 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.”

Patrick Vloemans, Haydi Galvez (Business Line Ports in ABB’s Marine and Ports division), Ina Barge, Tiemo Arkesteijn (Co-Chief Executive Officers of Rotterdam Shore Power). Image: ABB

“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.”

Source: ABB

About ABB

ABB is a global technology company specializing in electrification and automation, with headquarters in Zürich, Switzerland, and Västerås, Sweden. Formed in 1988 through the merger of ASEA and Brown, Boveri & Cie, ABB operates in more than 100 countries and serves sectors such as utilities, transportation, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Its portfolio includes robotics, industrial automation systems, electrification products, and motion solutions. The company draws on engineering and digitalization expertise to help industries improve performance and operate efficiently. ABB has a history of more than 140 years and employs about 110,000 people worldwide.

About ABB Marine & Ports Division

ABB’s Marine & Ports Division, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, provides electrification, automation, and digital solutions for the maritime and port industries. Its offerings include electric propulsion systems, power management, Azipod thrusters, shore power solutions, and vessel control technologies. The division serves sectors such as cargo shipping, passenger ferries, cruise vessels, offshore support vessels, and port terminals. ABB Marine & Ports operates in 26 countries and employs over 2,000 people. The division’s technologies help improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and support real-time monitoring of ships and port operations. By integrating power, propulsion, and digital control systems, ABB Marine & Ports supports the maritime industry’s transition to more sustainable and efficient operations, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of marine transport and port activities.