ROTTERDAM, 31 March 2025 – Cruise ships docking at Rotterdam’s Cruise Terminal can now connect to shore power (walstroom), reducing emissions and noise while in port. The city has become the first in the Netherlands to activate this facility for sea cruise vessels, ahead of EU requirements taking effect in 2030.

Cruise Terminal now equipped with shore power

As of 31 March 2025, sea cruise ships calling at the Holland Amerika Kade are able to switch off their engines and connect to shore-side electricity. This change is intended to limit air pollution and noise generated by docked ships. The launch was marked during an official event attended by alderman Robert Simons (Port & Economy), Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Boudewijn Siemons, and representatives of Cruise Port Rotterdam.

Alderman Simons, a long-standing proponent of shore power, emphasised its significance for both sustainability and economic continuity. “By activating shore power for sea cruise ships, we take another step towards making our city and port more sustainable. Cruise ships contribute significantly to the economy, and by connecting them to the grid, we improve air quality and reduce noise. This benefits both liveability and our economy,” he stated.

Rotterdam activates cruise ship shore power

Realisation of the project

The idea to install shore power at the Cruise Terminal originated in 2019 following a motion by city councillor Geert Koster. A formal agreement between the City of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Cruise Port Rotterdam was signed in March 2022. Construction was carried out by the Danish company PowerCon, in cooperation with Dutch grid operator Stedin and several subcontractors. The municipality supported the project with an interest-free loan of €8.75 million.

It is expected that by the end of 2025, around 75% of sea cruise ships in Rotterdam will be making use of this facility. From 2027 onwards, use of onboard generators will be prohibited at Wilhelminapier, making shore power mandatory for docked cruise ships.

The installation at the Cruise Terminal is not affected by the recently announced network congestion issues in the region.

Rotterdam activates cruise ship shore power

The role of shore power in the energy transition

Shore power is considered essential to Rotterdam’s energy transition efforts. Moored ships typically run diesel-powered generators, producing nitrogen, particulate matter, CO₂ emissions and noise. Shore power allows ships to plug into the local power grid, eliminating these emissions during docking.

The city actively supports shore power development. Subsidies are offered to companies investigating its feasibility or planning to invest in related infrastructure.

Further information on shore power initiatives in Rotterdam can be found via the Port of Rotterdam’s dedicated page.

Directions to the Cruise Terminal

The Cruise Terminal is located at Holland Amerika Kade, on the Wilhelminapier in central Rotterdam. The area is easily accessible by public transport, including tram, metro (Wilhelminaplein station), and water taxi. Parking is available in nearby garages. The terminal sits near landmarks such as Hotel New York and De Rotterdam.

ROTTERDAM, 20 March 2025 – Rotterdam's sustainable building strategy is set to become a blueprint for nationwide implementation following a conference that brought together stakeholders from across the country.

_{Image: Aldermen, market parties, and investors from across the Netherlands gathered at the Duurzaam Doorbouwen conference to accelerate the transition to Paris Proof construction. Photography: Rhalda Jansen.}

Rotterdam's sustainable building strategy gains national attention

On 19 March, the "Duurzaam Doorbouwen" (Sustainable Building Continuation) conference took place, an initiative led by Rotterdam's alderman Chantal Zeegers (Climate, Building and Housing). The event gathered aldermen, representatives from market parties, and investors from across the Netherlands to work towards a unified approach to sustainable construction in the country. The proposed City Deal Toekomstbestendige Gebiedsontwikkeling (City Deal on Future-Proof Area Development) served as the guiding framework for discussions, marking a significant step towards concrete agreements and collaboration between municipalities, market parties, and housing corporations.

Rotterdam as a frontrunner in sustainable construction

The conference was based on the Plan van Aanpak Duurzaam Doorbouwen (Sustainable Building Continuation Plan), developed by the municipality of Rotterdam in collaboration with Platform Ontwikkelaars Rotterdam (POR). This plan aims to provide sufficient affordable and sustainable housing, which is crucial for ensuring the city’s resilience.

The strategy involves new construction, renovation, and the sustainable transformation of existing buildings, with cooperation from market parties and housing corporations. The focus areas of the plan include:

• Reducing CO2 emissions from construction materials
• Circular design and construction
• Emission-free construction
• Climate adaptation
• Enhancing biodiversity

Alderman Zeegers highlighted the importance of cooperation:

"The construction sector is facing significant changes. By working together on solutions now, we can prevent being caught off guard in the future. The energy and engagement shown at this conference demonstrate a strong commitment to building sustainably. Now is the time to translate that ambition into concrete agreements. With the City Deal Duurzame Gebiedsontwikkeling, we are joining forces with governments, market parties, and housing corporations to establish a uniform approach and accelerate the transition to Paris Proof building."

City Deal: a national collaboration for sustainable development

During the Dag van de Stad (City Day) in November 2024, Alderman Zeegers, representing the G4 cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht), advocated for adopting this strategy nationwide through the City Deal Duurzame Gebiedsontwikkeling. This initiative resulted in a declaration of intent in which governments, market parties, and corporations committed to knowledge sharing and collaboration.

The City Deal aims to prepare the construction sector for stricter European regulations, such as the EU Taxonomy. The focus will be on finding ways to construct Paris Proof and affordable housing that complies with EU guidelines.

Conference programme and outcomes

The Duurzaam Doorbouwen conference featured a combination of plenary presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Participants joined themed sessions designed to share knowledge on sustainable building methods, explore impact and performance insights, and examine practical applications and projects.

Additionally, the conference addressed the impact of European regulations such as the EU Taxonomy on the Dutch construction sector. During the working sessions, participants analysed key challenges and explored potential solutions.

Towards a unified City Deal

The outcomes of the conference will shape the development of the City Deal Duurzame Gebiedsontwikkeling. The objective is to establish concrete results and agreements, which are scheduled to be signed at the VNG Congress and the PROVADA real estate fair in June 2025. The broad support expressed during the conference underscored the urgency of embedding sustainable construction principles in both policy and practice. Over the coming months, the discussed workstreams will be further developed in close cooperation between governments and market parties.

ROTTERDAM, 27 March 2025 – Two new financial support schemes have been introduced by the municipality to assist owners of municipal monuments. These include a subsidy for minor maintenance and sustainability research, and a low-interest loan for restoration and energy-saving upgrades.

Subsidy for minor maintenance and sustainability research

The Rotterdam city executive has approved two financial measures intended to support private individuals who own municipal monuments (gemeentelijke monumenten). One of the new schemes includes a subsidy designed for smaller interventions such as painting, repairing original window frames, or conducting sustainability assessments.

This subsidy, now open for applications, ranges from €2,000 to €20,000 per request. The total budget allocated for 2025 is €200,000. Applications are processed in order of receipt and may be submitted until 30 November 2025. If the budget is depleted before the deadline, new applications may be submitted the following year.

The support targets monument owners who live or work in their buildings, thereby encouraging them to invest in the preservation of historical properties.

Alderman Said Kasmi (Education, Culture and Events) stated, “Rotterdam is proud of its monuments. But heritage does not preserve itself; it requires dedicated owners. These measures are meant to support them and ensure our historic buildings are prepared for the future.”

Low-interest loan for restoration and energy efficiency

In addition to the subsidy, a loan scheme administered through the Rotterdam Restoration Fund (Rotterdams Restauratiefonds, RFF) has been expanded. For the first time, energy-saving improvements will be eligible, provided they represent no more than 25% of the total loan amount.

The interest rate will be 5% below market level, with a minimum interest rate of 1.5%. Loan amounts will range from €10,000 to €400,000.

Once a municipal approval is granted, the National Restoration Fund (Nationaal Restauratiefonds, NRF) will assess the applicant’s financial viability based on creditworthiness and integrity. The scheme will be open for applications from 1 June 2025, pending approval by the city council.

ROTTERDAM, 18 March 2025 – The Rotterdam municipality has conducted an evaluation of the Wijk aan Zet administrative system, revealing both achievements and areas for improvement. The system, introduced in 2022, was designed to enhance local democracy through elected district and village councils (wijk- en dorpsraden).

Evaluation findings highlight successes and challenges

The evaluation, carried out by the municipality's Research & Business Intelligence (OBI) department, involved feedback from district and village councils, the municipal council, the executive board, and involved civil servants. While many district councillors expressed pride in their achievements, concerns about limited influence on municipal decision-making emerged.

According to Alderman Robert Simons (Neighbourhoods and Governance), the findings demonstrate positive aspects of the system alongside clear areas requiring improvement. “It’s encouraging that district and village councils are proud of their role, but it’s also clear that there’s room for growth. As this system is still relatively new, progress will take time,” Simons stated.

Achievements and concerns

District and village councillors highlighted successful initiatives, such as resident-led projects and action plan implementation. Collaboration within the councils and municipal support in neighbourhoods were praised.

However, many councillors expressed dissatisfaction with their influence on municipal decisions. They called for greater involvement in citywide issues affecting their neighbourhoods and additional decision-making powers. Improved communication with residents and better cooperation with the executive board were also identified as necessary improvements.

Addressing the challenges

In response, Alderman Simons acknowledged the concerns. “We take these signals seriously,” he said. While greater influence over citywide issues was deemed unrealistic due to the municipal council's responsibilities, Simons emphasised the need for clearer communication about the role of district councillors. He also expressed willingness to improve participation processes, support services, and communication strategies.

Simons highlighted the positive impact of the system, noting that nearly 75% of the agreed actions from district accords have been implemented. “These initiatives contribute to safer, stronger, and more vibrant neighbourhoods,” he remarked. Examples include new music pavilions, social clubs for the elderly, improved public safety, and outdoor sports facilities.

Next steps

The municipality plans to engage with all stakeholders, including district and village councils, the municipal council, and municipal departments, to further discuss the evaluation's findings. This includes a dedicated conference on 5 April at De Doelen. Future steps aim to strengthen successful elements while addressing identified issues.

The next evaluation is scheduled for the next administrative period, when residents and community partners will also be consulted for broader insights.

About Wijk aan Zet

Wijk aan Zet is a governance model designed to enhance neighbourhood involvement by enabling residents, entrepreneurs, and partners to shape their local communities. Elected district and village councils play a key role in setting goals and actions based on community needs. The next district council elections will coincide with the municipal elections in March 2026.