The Port of Amsterdam (Netherlands) has commissioned a shore power installation at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), marking a significant advancement in its efforts to reduce emissions and environmental impact from maritime traffic. With this development, sea cruise vessels are now able to connect to the local electricity grid while docked, allowing onboard generators to be switched off. This transition is expected to result in a measurable reduction in air and noise pollution, including an annual decrease of approximately 3 tonnes of particulate matter, 100 tonnes of nitrogen oxides, and 4.8 kilotonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Construction of the system commenced in May 2023 and concluded in early 2025. The Danish firm PowerCon was responsible for delivering the technical shore power system, while BAM Infra acted as subcontractor, constructing a new energy hub and upgrading the terminal’s electrical infrastructure. The completed Smart Energy Hub accommodates the grid operator’s equipment, power transformers, and shore power apparatus.
The grid operator, Liander, installed a total of 4.4 kilometers of cable beneath the IJ River to link the substation in Amsterdam-Noord to the PTA at Veemkade. A further 8 kilometers of cabling was laid beneath the quay and pier decking to complete the connection.
The project received partial funding from both the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the European Commission. Cruise Port Amsterdam’s Director, Dick de Graaff, stated that the activation of shore power represented a substantial progression toward a port that is quieter and more sustainable, benefiting local residents, visitors, and the wider environment. He emphasized the terminal’s capacity to contribute to the development of responsible tourism through technological innovation.
In addition to powering sea cruise ships, the port is evaluating further applications for the shore power infrastructure, including broader electrification across the cruise service chain.
The Port of Amsterdam has indicated that cruise ships outfitted for shore power will be granted priority access to berths. By 2027, the use of shore power will become mandatory for all cruise vessels at the port—three years ahead of the requirement set by European legislation.