Rotterdam Container Terminal Europe's First to Invest in Shore Power

The adoption of shore power within the maritime industry continues apace with the news that Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG) has become the first port in Europe to invest in shore power infrastructure. 

The terminal, which currently has capacity to handle two large vessels and more than 2.35 million TEU will begin transitioning to shore power for all container vessels from 2026.

The move to shore power comes in light of a European Union ruling that all container, passenger, and cruise ships larger than 5,000 gross tons use shore power by 2030 in European ports. 

Rotterdam World Gateway has taken the decision to design, finance and build the shore-based power system itself. However, it will be consulting with its core stakeholders that include DP World, CMA CGM, HMM, MOL, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. 

Commenting on the decision to move to shore power, Ronald Lugthart, CEO of Rotterdam World Gateway, said:

“The investment in shore-based power is a crucial part of RWG’s investment program, the aim of zero-emission storage and handling of containers. Together with our clients and other stakeholders, we are creating possibilities to achieve this strategic goal in the near term using shore-based power and other facilities to support the energy transition”.

In addition to the above project RWG and the Port of Rotterdam have signed a letter of intent that includes agreements to share knowledge and data concerning the construction and use of shore-based power and the necessary civil engineering works to quay walls and fenders that such infrastructure requires.

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO and interim COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority said about the project: 

“We are very pleased with RWG’s decision to invest as the first European deep-sea terminal operator in shore-based power. This represents a further contribution to greater sustainability of the supply chain that runs through Rotterdam for clients we share in common”.

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