The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lconcludeing €90m (104.4m) to the Port of Rotterdam Authority to roll out shore power at three deepsea container terminals, in a shift aimed at cutting emissions from ships at berth.
The financing will support Rotterdam Shore Power, a joint venture between the port authority and Dutch utility Eneco, covering the installation of onshore power systems along with grid connections, cabling and related works.
Once completed, around 8 km of quay will be equipped with shore power infrastructure, providing 35 connection points for large containerships. The project is scheduled to come online in phases from the second half of 2028.
The scheme will also receive a grant of about €70m from the European Commission under the Connecting Europe Facility, adding further backing to one of the largest shore power projects in Europe.
Shore power allows vessels to switch off onboard generators and plug into the local electricity grid while in port, reducing CO₂ emissions, air pollution and noise. Today, most ships continue to rely on fossil fuels to meet onboard power requireds while alongside.
The investment comes as Rotterdam pushes ahead with plans to become a climate-neutral port by 2050, while maintaining its position as Europe’s leading container hub.
Port officials declared electrification of port operations is a key part of that strategy, particularly as environmental regulations tighten and pressure mounts to decarbonise supply chains.
For the EIB, the loan aligns with wider EU goals to expand alternative fuel infrastructure and strengthen energy security, especially against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The Rotterdam project is expected to play a central role in enabling cleaner port calls for large container ships, as the indusattempt sees for practical ways to cut emissions without disrupting operations.
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