In the Netherlands, the Port of Amsterdam opened a new shore power installation at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, enabling sea cruise ships to plug into the grid and cut emissions by up to 4,800 tons of CO2 annually—years before European regulations require it.
The system allows vessels to switch off their diesel generators while docked, reducing noise and lowering emissions by an estimated 3 tons of particulate matter and 100 tons of nitrogen oxides per year at 100 vessel calls. “With the commissioning of shore power, we are taking a major step toward a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable port,” said Dick de Graaff, director of Cruise Port Amsterdam.
The installation was built by BAM Infra Nederland and supplied by Denmark’s Powercon A/S, with 4.4 kilometers of cable laid under the IJ by grid operator Liander. An additional 8 kilometers of cable was installed beneath the quay. The project received funding from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the European Commission.
“This installation is tangible proof that sustainability is not something for tomorrow—but for today,” said Alderman Hester van Buren at the opening ceremony. Shore power will be mandatory for cruise ships starting in 2027.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
