ABB will design and build shore power systems consisting of multiple installations for the Port of Rotterdam. The technology company specialising in electrification and automation, has signed contracts for this purpose with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP). This is a joint venture of the Port of Rotterdam and Eneco.
The combined shore power systems are expected to be the largest in the world to date, based on a total capacity of more than 100 megavoltamperes (MVA). The installations will help significantly reduce emissions at the port of Rotterdam and support compliance with the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. The legislation requires all container and passenger ships with a gross tonnage over 5,000 tonnes to use shore-side electricity supply or equivalent zero-emission technology at EU ports from 1 January 2030.
Custom designed shore power systems
The shore power systems will be custom-designed. They are expected to be commissioned in the second half of 2028 and will supply power to three deep-sea container terminals in Europe's largest port. The shore power systems will provide power at 35 connection points spread across the APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT) facility and the Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax terminals. They can simultaneously power up to 32 container vessels during loading and unloading operations. The agreement also includes a multi-year service contract for each terminal.
Commissioning and on-site testing
Besides designing, supplying and installing the shore power systems, ABB will also be responsible for commissioning and on-site testing. Prefabricated solutions will reduce installation time and minimise operational disruption. The infrastructure will be scalable to meet future growth and integration with renewables. ABB's scope of supply also includes the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This system enables monitoring and control of the shore power grid and records energy consumption for accurate billing to customers.
We are proud to contribute to the decarbonisation of the Port of Rotterdam, which is an important step towards the EU ambition for emission-free ports.Rune Braastad, President of ABB's Marine & Ports division
Sustainable solution
The shore power systems will enable ships to switch off their engines while moored. According to Rotterdam Shore Power's calculations, annual CO2 emissions from ships calling at the three deep-sea container terminals can be reduced by an estimated 96,000 tonnes from 2030 by using shore power for at least 90 per cent of berthing time. This will also eliminate noise pollution and significantly improve air quality in the port area, leading to a better working and living environment.
Leader
"We are delighted to partner with ABB on this ground-breaking project for RSP," said Ina Barge and Tiemo Arkesteijn,co CEOs of Rotterdam Shore Power. "Thanks to our in-depth knowledge and proven track record, we can make shore power available to all ships calling at the APMT and ECT terminals at the Port of Rotterdam, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Rotterdam is a frontrunner in electrification on this scale."
Towards an emission-free port
"This large-scale multi-installation project for Rotterdam Shore Power demonstrates ABB's expertise in delivering shore power from concept to connection," said Rune Braastad, President of ABB's Marine & Ports Division. "Our efficient, proven total solutions cover everything from design and commissioning to maintenance and support, with minimal disruption to operations during the installation phase. We are proud to contribute to the decarbonisation of the port of Rotterdam, which is an important step towards the EU's ambition for emission-free ports."
Source: ABB ,
Photo: created by Louise36 via Pixabay
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