ABB wins contract for world’s largest shore power project

The combined shore power systems are expected to be over 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA). The installations will help to significantly reduce emissions in the Port of Rotterdam and support compliance with the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. The legislation 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 1 January 2030.

Scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2028, the custom-designed systems will supply shore power across three deep-sea container terminals at Europe’s largest port. ABB will provide power at 35 connection points at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II and at Hutchison Ports’ ECT Delta and ECT Euromax terminals, enabling up to 32 container vessels to be supplied with electricity simultaneously during cargo operations. The contracts, booked in December 2025, also include multi-year service agreements for each terminal, although financial details were not disclosed.

ABB’s scope of work covers the design, delivery, installation, commissioning and on-site testing of the shore power systems. The use of prefabricated solutions is intended to shorten installation schedules and limit disruption to terminal operations, while the infrastructure has been designed to be scalable and compatible with future growth and the integration of renewable energy sources. The supply package also includes ABB’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which will allow operators to monitor and control the installations and record energy consumption for accurate billing.

By allowing vessels to shut down their auxiliary engines while alongside, the shore connections are expected to deliver significant environmental benefits. According to calculations by Rotterdam Shore Power, using shore power for at least 90 per cent of a vessel’s time at berth could reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions at the three terminals by an estimated 96,000 tonnes from 2030. The systems will also eliminate noise from running engines and substantially improve local air quality in the port area.

“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 Rotterdam Shore Power. “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.” Rune Braastad, president of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, added that the project “demonstrates ABB’s expertise in delivering shore power from concept to connection” and represents “a significant step towards realising the EU’s ambition for emission-free ports.”

Click hear to read an interview with the previous president of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, Juha Koskela.