Sea cruise ships can now plug into shore power at the Amsterdam Cruise Terminal, reducing emissions and noise while docked. The system is expected to cut thousands of tonnes of CO₂ annually and becomes mandatory by 2027.
Amsterdam, Netherlands – June 3, 2025 — In a decisive move toward cleaner ports and greener tourism, the Port of Amsterdam has officially activated a shore power connection at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), allowing sea cruise ships to plug into the local electric grid and shut down their diesel generators while docked.
The groundbreaking infrastructure aims to slash air pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and dramatically cut noise levels in the heart of Amsterdam — long one of Europe’s busiest urban cruise ports.
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A New Era of Emission-Free Docking – Amsterdam Cruise Terminal
With approximately 100 sea cruise ship calls annually, the environmental gains are immediate and substantial. Shore power use at PTA is expected to result in:
- 3 tonnes of particulate matter avoided per year
- 100 tonnes of nitrogen oxides eliminated
- 4,800 tonnes (4.8 kilotonnes) of CO₂ saved
This equates to taking hundreds of diesel vehicles off city streets — and the added bonus is near-silent dockside operations. Starting in 2027, shore power use will be mandatory for all cruise vessels calling at the terminal — a full three years ahead of European Union regulations.
“This installation is tangible proof that sustainability isn’t about tomorrow — it’s about today,” said Hester van Buren, Alderman for the Port of Amsterdam, at the opening ceremony on June 3. “It shows what can be achieved when you share ambitions and join forces.”
Engineering Feat: 4.4 Kilometers of Cable Beneath a River
The project is a showcase of international engineering and cross-sector collaboration. The shore power system, provided by Danish company Powercon A/S, took nearly two years to complete, starting in May 2023 and wrapping in early 2025.
Key infrastructure milestones include:
- 4.4 kilometers of cable installed under the IJ River by Dutch grid operator Liander, connecting Amsterdam-Noord to the cruise terminal
- 8 more kilometers of cable laid beneath the quay and pier decks
- Collaboration with subcontractor BAM Infra Nederland
- Funding support from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the European Commission
The system now feeds power from a local grid — partially sourced from the Ruigoord wind farm in the Amsterdam port area — into vessels via a Smart Energy Hub and a Cable Management System that extends cables up to 50 meters for safe, efficient plug-in.
Benefits for the City, Residents, and the Climate
This project not only advances environmental performance at the terminal but also improves quality of life for local residents, reduces noise pollution in the historic city center, and contributes to Amsterdam’s broader goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
“This shore power facility is an important step toward a more livable city, a sustainable port, and greener cruising,” said Dorine Bosman, Chief Investment Officer at Port of Amsterdam. “The terminal’s central location calls for quiet and clean solutions — and that is exactly what we are now offering.”
Looking Ahead: Electrification Beyond the Ships
Beyond cruise ships, the new infrastructure opens up exciting future possibilities. The Port of Amsterdam is exploring electrification along the full cruise chain, including tour buses and city-side logistics, further integrating sustainable practices into tourism and urban transport.
“The commissioning of shore power marks a major step toward a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable port,” said Dick de Graaff, Director of Cruise Port Amsterdam. “It benefits residents, visitors, and the climate, and proves that our cruise terminal has the innovative strength to shape the future of responsible tourism.”
This major investment puts Amsterdam in line with other leading ports, where shore power is already playing a key role in reducing port-related emissions. As global attention turns to maritime sustainability, Amsterdam’s move offers a model for North American ports seeking to balance cruise tourism with climate and community priorities.
About the Port of Amsterdam
The Port of Amsterdam is the fourth-largest seaport in Europe and plays a vital role in international trade and logistics. Strategically located in the North Sea Canal area, the port is a gateway for goods entering and leaving Europe and is home to more than 2,000 companies. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, the port aims to be one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. Its Clean Shipping Vision is central to this goal, promoting the adoption of alternative fuels and zero-emission solutions throughout the maritime sector.
Source Port of Amsterdam