Port of Rotterdam Secures €90M Loan for Shore Power Development

In a move to bolster its sustainability efforts, the Port of Rotterdam Authority has secured a €90 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to fund the expansion of its shore power network. According to Offshore Energy, the shore power project aims to provide vessels calling at the port with the ability to 'plug in' to the local electricity grid while at berth, allowing them to shut down their auxiliary engines and reduce emissions. This initiative aligns with the port's broader sustainability goals and the European Union's push for greener maritime operations. 'This loan will help us to further develop our shore power network and make it more accessible for visiting ships,' said Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. 'Providing onshore power supply is an important step in making our port and shipping more sustainable.' The project is expected to play a key role in the port's efforts to achieve its target of a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, as outlined in the European Green Deal. By enabling ships to connect to the local grid, the shore power infrastructure will help minimize the environmental impact of vessels during their stay in Rotterdam. This latest development builds on the port's ongoing investments in sustainability, which have included the deployment of shore power facilities for cruise ships and container vessels. The €90 million loan from the EIB will further bolster these efforts and solidify Rotterdam's position as a leader in green port infrastructure.