European Investment Bank supports Rotterdam shore power project with major financing to advance sustainable maritime operations

European Investment Bank supports Rotterdam shore power project with major financing to advance sustainable maritime operations

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank has approved a €90 million loan to support the installation of shore power infrastructure at the port of Rotterdam, complemented by an additional €70 million grant from the European Commission. The project, led by Rotterdam Shore Power, will equip eight kilometres of quay with 35 connection points, allowing container ships to use onshore electricity instead of fossil fuel-powered generators. This shift is expected to significantly reduce emissions, noise, and air pollution, contributing to improved environmental and public health outcomes. The initiative supports Europe’s broader energy transition and infrastructure development goals while reinforcing the port’s ambition to achieve climate-neutral operations by 2050. Scheduled to be operational from 2028, the project highlights the growing importance of sustainable solutions in maintaining the competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s transport and logistics networks.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 23-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — European Investment Bank has approved a €90 million loan to support the development of shore power infrastructure at the port of Rotterdam, enabling large container vessels to connect to onshore electricity while docked. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce emissions from maritime operations and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy in the transport sector.

The financing will support Rotterdam Shore Power, a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Eneco, responsible for delivering the infrastructure. The project includes the installation of onshore power systems, grid connections, cabling, and associated construction works. In total, approximately eight kilometres of quay will be equipped with shore power capabilities, featuring 35 connection points for deep-sea container ships.

In addition to the EIB loan, the project is set to benefit from a grant of around €70 million from the European Commission under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility, part of the Connecting Europe Facility. This combined financial support underscores the strategic importance of expanding alternative energy infrastructure across Europe’s transport networks.

Currently, many large vessels rely on onboard generators powered by fossil fuels to supply electricity while in port, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and noise. By switching to shore-based electricity, the project aims to significantly reduce these impacts, improving environmental performance and public health outcomes in and around the port.

Robert de Groot, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, highlighted the importance of the initiative in strengthening Europe’s energy independence and sustainability. He noted that connecting ships to shore power represents a meaningful step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels, while also supporting economic resilience and autonomy in the current geopolitical context.

Vivienne de Leeuw, Chief Financial Officer of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, emphasized that the investment aligns with the port’s long-term goal of achieving climate-neutral operations by 2050. She noted that projects of this scale are essential to maintaining the port’s competitive position while advancing sustainability objectives and reinforcing its role as a leading container hub in north-west Europe.

Cecilia Thorfinn, acting head of the European Commission Representation in the Netherlands, added that the development of alternative fuel infrastructure is critical for Europe to remain competitive while pursuing energy independence. She pointed out that the Connecting Europe Facility plays a key role in supporting such initiatives.

The project is expected to be implemented in stages, with the shore power installations scheduled to become operational from the second half of 2028. Once completed, the infrastructure will contribute to a more sustainable maritime sector by enabling ships to operate with reduced emissions and improved efficiency while at berth.

Background information:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The Netherlands owns a 5.2% share in the EIB. The Bank provides long-term financing for sound investments that contribute to EU policy objectives and national priorities. More than 90% of its operations are within Europe. Over the years, the EIB has made more than €36 billion in financing available for projects in the Netherlands across a wide range of sectors, including social infrastructure, research and development, sustainable transport, drinking water, healthcare and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) supports the development of high-quality, sustainable and efficient trans-European networks in the fields of transport, energy and digital services. It is an EU funding instrument for delivering the green transition and a key driver in achieving Europe’s emissions targets. The Connecting Europe Facility makes travel easier and more sustainable, strengthens energy security and promotes the use of renewable energy, while facilitating cross-border cooperation between governments, businesses and the public. It provides funding in the form of grants and procurement and helps to attract private investment.

Port of Rotterdam Authority: The core tasks of the Port Authority are the sustainable development, management and operation of the port and industrial area, and ensuring efficient, safe and smooth shipping services in the port and its approaches and anchorages. It aims to strengthen the position of the port as a future‑proof logistics hub and industrial complex, with quality at its core. Its ambition is to develop a climate‑neutral port that respects its environment.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank