The Netherlands | January 05, 2026 – Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP) has selected ABB to engineer, construct, and maintain the world’s largest shore power project across three deep-sea container terminals. The multi-terminal initiative represents a total capacity of over 100 MVA, setting a new global benchmark for port electrification.
RSP, a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Eneco, awarded the contracts to ABB following a competitive tender. The project covers the APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, Hutchison Ports ECT Delta, and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax.
Infrastructure at Unprecedented Scale
The project aims to transform eight kilometers of quay wall into “green berths.” Key technical details include:
- 35 Connection Points: Allowing up to 32 seagoing container ships to connect simultaneously.
- Tens of Kilometers of Cabling: Installation of high, medium, and low voltage cables alongside fiberglass infrastructure.
- SCADA Integration: Advanced monitoring and control systems for energy tracking and accurate billing.
Construction is slated to begin in the second half of 2027, with the goal of being fully operational by the second half of 2028. Once live, RSP estimates the systems will reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 96,000 metric tons.
Strategic Compliance with FuelEU Maritime
This project serves as a critical bridge for shipowners to comply with the EU’s FuelEU Maritime Regulation. Starting January 1, 2030, all container and passenger ships above 5,000 GT will be required to use onshore power supply (OPS) or equivalent zero-emission technology when at berth in major EU ports.
“Rotterdam is a frontrunner with electrification on this scale,” said Ina Barge and Tiemo Arkesteijn, co-CEOs of Rotterdam Shore Power. “With ABB’s expertise, we can make shore power available to all vessels calling at these terminals, preventing large amounts of CO2 emissions.”
A key highlight of the announcement is the commitment from ABB’s leadership to ensure minimal disruption during the complex construction phase.
“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 of 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.”
Technical Spotlight: World’s Largest Shore Power Project
To put the scale of this project into perspective, it sets a new global benchmark for port electrification across three key metrics:
- Unmatched Capacity: The combined capacity exceeds 100 MVA (Megavolt-Amperes). For context, even the most extensive current European systems, such as those in Kiel, Germany or across Norway, typically range between 16 MVA and 50 MVA.
- Operational Scale: The project covers 8 kilometers of quay wall with 35 dedicated connection points. This infrastructure is capable of powering 32 massive container vessels simultaneously, ensuring no “bottlenecks” during peak port traffic.
- Unique Multi-Terminal Integration: While some global ports feature large single installations for cruise ships, this is the first time a massive, integrated “multi-installation” system has been deployed across three separate deep-sea container terminals (APMT, ECT Delta, and ECT Euromax) under a single, unified project scope.
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation with over 140 years of history. Their Marine & Ports division specializes in “concept to connection” solutions, reducing operational disruption during the installation of complex port infrastructure. ABB employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and is a key driver of the maritime industry’s digital and sustainable evolution.
About Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP)
Rotterdam Shore Power B.V. is a strategic joint venture between Eneco and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. The entity provides end-to-end shore power solutions, from feasibility studies and financing to the procurement of green electricity. By removing the financial and technical barriers for terminals, RSP accelerates the transition to “zero-emission at berth.”
Source: The Port of Rotterdam