The Port of Rotterdam Authority has secured a €90 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the installation of shore power facilities for vessels while at berth.
The loan will finance Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP) , a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Eneco, for onshore electric power supply (OPS) equipment for vessels that berth at the main deep sea container terminals in Port of Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte II, in particular at the APMT Maasvlakte II, ECT Delta South and ECT Euromax terminals.
In addition to this, Rotterdam Shore Power will deliver the grid connection, cabling and other associated construction and excavation works. In total, eight kilometres of quay will be equipped with shore power, with 35 connection points for seagoing container vessels.
“Rotterdam is Europe’s most important port and continues to innovate to stay at the forefront. Connecting large container ships to shore power is a major step towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. This is not only good for the environment, air quality and public health, but also for our economy, as it will help Europe become less dependent on energy from far away. The geopolitical situation makes it clear that Europe needs to become more autonomous when it comes to its energy supply,” said EIB Vice‑President Robert de Groot .
The project will allow vessels that berth at the terminals to connect to OPS, turn off the auxiliary engines and save fuel, as part of the port’s ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas and polluting emissions, EIB said.
The shore power installations are expected to be delivered and brought into operation in phases from the second half of 2028.
“Shore power plays a vital role in the energy transition. As the port of Rotterdam works towards climate‑neutral operations by 2050, while safeguarding its competitive position, investments like this are indispensable. They bring our climate goals within reach and reinforce the port’s role as a sustainable, future‑proof container hub in north‑west Europe,” said Vivienne de Leeuw , Chief Financial Officer of Port of Rotterdam Authority.
The project is also eligible for a European Commission grant of around €70 million under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).