ROTTERDAM, 3 November 2025 – The Municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have presented the updated Shore Power Strategy 2025–2035 to the city council. The new plan outlines how shore power will be scaled up over the next decade to reduce emissions and noise in Europe’s largest port.
Image: Presentation of the updated Shore Power Strategy 2025–2035 by Alderman Robert Simons and Port of Rotterdam CEO Boudewijn Siemons. Photo: Municipality of Rotterdam / Rinske Fokkema
The strategy defines concrete steps towards making shore power — electricity connections that allow ships to switch off their engines while docked — the standard across the port by 2030. The long-term goal is to achieve fully emission-free berthing by 2050.
Powering forward with clean energy
“Rotterdam aims to lead in both the energy transition and economic growth,” said Alderman for the Port, Robert Simons. “This strategy sets a clear direction up to 2035, but we want all parties ready by 2030. The objectives are urgent and demand pace, courage and results.”
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, added: “Shore power is not a vision for the future — it’s a solution for today. It directly contributes to a cleaner and quieter port. This strategy is ambitious, realistic and essential, because a sustainable port is a strong port.”
Strategic focus areas
The renewed strategy introduces a phased approach to accelerate the rollout of shore power. Its main priorities include:
- Expanding and improving public shore power connections across the port;
- Preparing for the upcoming European shore power mandate (AFIR regulation, effective 1 January 2030);
- Scaling up impact across all maritime segments, from inland shipping to cruise and container vessels.
Rotterdam already leads in implementation. Since launching its first shore power strategy in 2020 — well before European legislation required it — the port now has over 100 installations providing a total capacity of more than 43 megawatts.
Tackling grid congestion
Some parts of the port area face power grid congestion, complicating expansion efforts. To address this, the municipality and port authority are exploring flexible contracts with grid operators and mobile power solutions. Preparations for new installations continue so that, once capacity is available, deployment can move swiftly.
Municipal subsidies also remain available to support feasibility studies and investments, helping port companies install their own shore power facilities.
International cooperation
The city and port will share their experiences at the upcoming Shore Power Summit, taking place on 12 and 13 November at the Schiecentrale in Rotterdam. Industry leaders in freight, ports and logistics will gather to discuss strategies and partnerships to accelerate the shift to shore power.
The full Shore Power Strategy 2025–2035 can be read via the Rotterdam City Council’s website: gemeenteraad.rotterdam.nl
