ABB Wins Major Contract to Support Rotterdam’s Transition to Zero-Emission Port Operations

ABB Wins Major Contract to Support Rotterdam’s Transition to Zero-Emission Port Operations

(IN BRIEF) ABB has signed contracts with Rotterdam Shore Power to engineer and construct shore power systems with a combined capacity of more than 100 MVA at the Port of Rotterdam. The installations, scheduled to begin operation in the second half of 2028, will supply onshore electricity to three major container terminals and support compliance with EU FuelEU Maritime regulations. Designed to reduce emissions, noise, and air pollution, the systems are expected to cut annual CO₂ emissions by up to 96,000 metric tons from 2030. The project highlights ABB’s role in advancing large-scale port electrification and sustainable maritime operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZURICH, 5-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — ABB has secured contracts to design and build large-scale shore power systems for the Port of Rotterdam, marking a major milestone in the port’s electrification and decarbonization efforts. The agreements were signed with Rotterdam Shore Power, a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and Eneco.

Once completed, the combined installations will represent the world’s largest shore power system based on total capacity, exceeding 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA). The tailored solution will supply onshore electricity to three deep-sea container terminals and is scheduled to become operational in the second half of 2028. The project supports compliance with the EU’s FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which from January 1, 2030, will require container and passenger vessels above 5,000 gross tonnage to use shore power or equivalent zero-emission technologies while at berth.

ABB’s scope includes the engineering, delivery, installation, commissioning, and on-site testing of the systems. Power will be distributed across 35 connection points serving APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, Hutchison Ports ECT Delta, and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax. At peak operation, the infrastructure will enable up to 32 container ships to connect simultaneously during cargo handling. The contracts, booked in December 2025, also include multi-year service agreements for each terminal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Patrick Vloemans, Haydi Galvez (Business Line Ports in ABB’s Marine and Ports division), Ina Barge, Tiemo Arkesteijn (Co-Chief Executive Officers of Rotterdam Shore Power)

The modular, prefabricated design is intended to minimize installation time and operational disruption while ensuring scalability for future expansion and integration with renewable energy sources. ABB will also supply its supervisory control and data acquisition system to monitor performance, manage operations, and track energy consumption for accurate billing.

By allowing vessels to shut down auxiliary engines while berthed, the shore power systems are expected to deliver substantial environmental benefits. Based on calculations by Rotterdam Shore Power, using shore power for at least 90 percent of moored time could reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 96,000 metric tons from 2030 onward. The transition will also significantly reduce noise and improve air quality in the port area, enhancing working and living conditions.

Ina Barge and Tiemo Arkesteijn, Co-Chief Executive Officers of Rotterdam Shore Power, said the collaboration with ABB will make large-scale shore power available to vessels calling at the APMT and ECT terminals, positioning Rotterdam as a frontrunner in port electrification. Rune Braastad, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, noted that the project demonstrates ABB’s capability to deliver end-to-end shore power solutions and supports the Port of Rotterdam’s ambition to achieve emission-free port operations.

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

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SOURCE: ABB