Rotterdam Shore Power and Heijmans Partner for Massive 66 kV Intake Station
Rotterdam, The Netherlands — In a major step toward decarbonizing one of the world's busiest logistics hubs, Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP) and construction giant Heijmans have officially signed a contract to begin work on a critical 66 kV intake station at the Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax container terminal. This high-capacity station is the vital electrical link needed to power the next generation of "green" deep-sea shipping.
Building the World’s Largest Shore Power Network
The intake station is part of a broader, record-breaking electrification effort across the Port of Rotterdam. Once fully realized, the project will cover 8 kilometers of quay at three major terminals: ECT Euromax, ECT Delta, and APM Terminals Maasvlakte II.
Key technical specifications of this massive infrastructure include:
- Massive Energy Capacity: A total installed capacity exceeding 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA).
- Unrivaled Scale: The network will feature 35 connection points, allowing up to 32 ultra-large container ships to draw power simultaneously while at berth.
- Voltage Conversion: The 66 kV intake station will feed into specialized converter stations that adjust voltage and frequency to match the on-board systems of international vessels.
A Collaborative Effort in Engineering
To meet the complex architectural and electrical demands of the Maasvlakte II site, Heijmans is leading an integrated project team.
- Heijmans oversees the project management and realizes the intake station infrastructure.
- Cordeel Nederland is responsible for the station's architectural design and physical construction.
- Stedin, the regional grid operator, is providing the high-voltage technical installation to ensure seamless grid integration.
- ABB will work in parallel to install tens of kilometers of high, medium, and low-voltage cabling, along with the specific shore-to-ship connection systems.
Environmental and Strategic Impact
The primary goal of this "engines off, shore power on" initiative is a radical reduction in the port’s environmental footprint. By allowing ships to shut down diesel generators while docked, the project is projected to:
- Slash Emissions: Reduce annual CO2 emissions by an estimated 96,000 metric tons by 2030 (assuming 90% of moored vessels utilize the system).
- Improve Local Health: Eliminate significant noise pollution and emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen, and other greenhouse gases in the harbor area.
- Ensure Compliance: Position Rotterdam well ahead of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which mandates zero-emission technology for large vessels in EU ports starting in 2030.
Project Timeline
Construction at the deep-sea terminals is slated to begin in the second half of 2026. The first container vessels are expected to begin plugging into the new green electricity infrastructure by the second half of 2028.
