ROTTERDAM, 24 July 2025 – A group of port companies in Rotterdam will begin installing shore power systems (‘walstroom’) following financial support from the municipality, which aims to reduce emissions and noise pollution in the port area.
Image: Working visit to Matrans Rotterdam Terminal. Photography: Rhalda Jansen.
Rotterdam port companies receive shore power subsidies
Nearly €2 million in subsidies has been awarded by the municipality of Rotterdam to support the installation of shore power systems at four port companies: J.A. Balck, Matrans Rotterdam Terminal, Broekman Project Services, and VT Group. These funds are intended to enable moored vessels to use electricity from the quayside rather than relying on diesel generators.
The initiative is seen as part of a wider municipal effort to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in the port and surrounding urban areas.
Municipal support for sustainable infrastructure
The subsidy covers costs including engineering, technical components, project management and grid connection. This financial aid follows an earlier round of funding that supported feasibility studies. The current phase focuses on implementation.
The alderman for the port, Robert Simons, personally visited the companies to hand over symbolic cheques. He remarked: “I have a lot of respect for these companies. They are showing courage by taking action. Shore power is primarily about doing. With their investment, and some support from the municipality, we are making a tangible step towards a cleaner, quieter and more future-proof port.”
Visit to Matrans Rotterdam Terminal. Photography by Rhalda Jansen.
Visit to VT Group. Photography by Rhalda Jansen.
Broader strategy for the port of Rotterdam
The financial support forms part of a broader strategy to expand the use of shore power (walstroom) throughout the port of Rotterdam. The municipality and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have jointly committed to connecting as many vessels as possible to shore power in the coming years.
An updated shore power strategy will soon be presented by the city, outlining objectives and targets for further expansion.
