Port of Rotterdam: ABB to power world’s largest shore power project

January 8, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

ABB has secured contracts with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP), a joint venture of Port of Rotterdam and Eneco, to engineer and construct shore power systems comprising multiple installations for the Port of Rotterdam.

Based on the total capacity of over 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA), the combined shore power systems are expected to be the largest in the world and will help significantly reduce emissions at the Port of Rotterdam and support compliance with the FuelEU Maritime Regulation which will require all container and passenger ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to use onshore power supply or equivalent zero-emission technology in EU ports starting from January 1, 2030.

ABB is responsible for the design, delivery, installation, commissioning and on-site testing of the shore power systems, in addition to providing its supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which will monitor and control the system, as well as track energy usage for accurate customer billing.

The custom-designed solutions will deliver power across three deep-sea container terminals at the port. Providing power at 35 connection points across APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT) facility and Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax terminals, ABB’s shore power systems will be able to charge up to 32 container ships simultaneously during loading and unloading operations.

“We are excited to work together with ABB on this breakthrough project for RSP,” said Ina Barge and Tiemo Arkesteijn, Co-Chief Executive Officers of 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.”

The contracts were booked in December 2025, with the deal also including a multi-year service agreement for each terminal.

According to ABB, the solutions are scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2028.

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Based on RSP’s calculations, by using shore power for at least 90% of moored time, annual carbon dioxide emissions for the vessels calling at the three deep-sea container terminals can be reduced by an estimated 96,000 metric tons from 2030, also eliminating noise pollution and improving air quality in the harbor area.

“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 the 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.”