The European Investment Bank is lending €90 million to the Port of Rotterdam Authority for the installation of shore power facilities at three deep-sea container terminals in the port of Rotterdam. The loan will finance Rotterdam Shore Power, a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Eneco.

In addition to the onshore power supply installation, Rotterdam Shore Power will deliver the grid connection, cabling and other associated construction and excavation works. In total, eight kilometres of quay will be equipped with shore power, with 35 connection points for seagoing container vessels

Alongside the EIB loan, the project is also eligible for a European Commission grant of around €70 million under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

“Rotterdam is Europe’s most important port and continues to innovate to stay at the forefront. Connecting large container ships to shore power is a major step towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. This is not only good for the environment, air quality and public health, but also for our economy, as it will help Europe become less dependent on energy from far away. The geopolitical situation makes it clear that Europe needs to become more autonomous when it comes to its energy supply”, said EIB Vice‑President Robert de Groot.

“Shore power plays a vital role in the energy transition. As the port of Rotterdam works towards climate‑neutral operations by 2050, while safeguarding its competitive position, investments like this are indispensable. They bring our climate goals within reach and reinforce the port’s role as a sustainable, future‑proof container hub in north‑west Europe”, said Vivienne de Leeuw, chief financial officer of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

“The current geopolitical context forces Europe to make critical choices if it is to remain competitive while also becoming energy independent. For the port of Rotterdam, as Europe’s largest port, more sustainable transport is essential to staying connected. Through Connecting Europe Facility grants, the European Commission is supporting the ambitious rollout of the alternative fuel infrastructure needed to make this happen”, added Cecilia Thorfinn, acting head of the Commission Representation in the Netherlands.

Container terminals at the Maasvlakte in Rotterdam. Photo: Martens Multimedia

The EIB financing for shore power and the EU grant under the Connecting Europe Facility directly support the ambition to equip the European transport network with infrastructure for electric mobility. Today, large container ships still rely on engines or fossil fuel generators to supply power to onboard electrical systems, causing not only CO₂ emissions but also noise nuisance and particulate emissions. The shore power installations are expected to be delivered and brought into operation in phases from the second half of 2028.