From 1st April 2025, cruise ships docking in Rotterdam will be able to draw their energy directly from the quay, thanks to a new shore power connection system that delivers clean electricity from the grid to vessels while moored.

A bright green cable – now a visual symbol of Rotterdam’s maritime sustainability ambitions – connects ships to shore-based power, eliminating the need to run diesel engines while in port. The impact is significant. Thousands of passengers, crew, and officers will now benefit from this cleaner, quieter energy supply, while surrounding residential areas will see an improvement in air quality of approximately 80%.

Equally important is the reduction in noise pollution. Diesel generators that typically run day and night to keep ships operational while docked will no longer be needed, meaning residents living near the terminal are no longer subjected to the constant hum of engines. For those working on board, maintenance can now be carried out in a quieter, more stable environment.

The move is part of a wider commitment by the Port of Rotterdam to decarbonise maritime infrastructure and reduce environmental impacts on neighbouring communities. It is estimated that between 70% and 95% of all vessels visiting the port are already capable of connecting to shore-side power.

This transition isn’t just voluntary.

As of 1st January 2027, cruise ships that are not equipped to use shore power will be prohibited from entering Rotterdam. This gives the shipping industry a clear deadline – and a strong incentive – to modernise vessels and invest in emissions-reducing technologies.

As ports around the world grapple with how to balance commercial traffic with environmental responsibility, Rotterdam is offering a clear, scalable example of how large ports can lead the way. With EU legislation tightening around port emissions and green corridors gaining traction, it’s likely that shore power will become the expected standard – not a forward-thinking exception.

The maritime sector is changing fast. Rotterdam’s investment in shore-side power is a reminder that infrastructure and policy can move in step to deliver cleaner, healthier cities – without compromising global connectivity.

Reina Maria van Pallandt

Reina Maria van Pallandt is a senior disputes resolution lawyer with dual British and Dutch nationality. After obtaining an LLB Honors degree in Dutch Law and Public International Law at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), Reina Maria studied International Law of the Sea at London School of Economics (LSE).

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