ABB lands Rotterdam shore power contract

Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP), a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and Netherlands-based Eneco, an international energy firm, has signed a deal with ABB to engineer and build shore power systems for three deep-sea container terminals in Europe’s largest port.

The systems, with a total capacity of more than 100 MVA, will cut emissions from the port by a significant margin and will support compliance with the FuelEU Maritime regulation. This legislation will require container and passenger ships of more than 5,000gt to use onshore power systems or equivalent zero-emission technology in EU ports from the beginning of 2030. 

The contracts were booked in December, but the value of the deal has not been disclosed. The systems are due to be commissioned in the second half of 2028 and will provide power at 35 connection points in the APM Terminals Maasvlakte II terminal, the Hutchison Ports EDT Delta terminal, and the Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax terminal. They will be capable of charging up to 32 container ships simultaneously while the ships work cargoes alongside.

Prefabricated systems will save time and minimise operational disruption and the infrastructure will be scalable to meet future growth needs and potential integration with renewable energy sources. ABB will also provide a supervisory contract and data acquisition system to monitor and control the systems and track energy usage to ensure accurate billing procedures.

RSP is likely to reduce ship emissions across the three terminals by an estimated 96,000 tonnes from 2030. This is based on ships using shore power for at least 90% of moored time. Noise pollution will be significantly reduced and air quality improved.

The two co-chief executives of RSP, Ina Barge and Tiemo Arkesteijn, 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.”