Rhys BerrySeagoing cruise ships calling Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) can now plug into shore power.
The newly installed onshore power supply (OPS) facilities were officially opened by Port Alderman, Hester van Buren, yesterday (3 June).
Starting from 2027, it will become mandatory to use the new facilities – three years ahead of European regulations. With around 100 calls per year, the Port of Amsterdam estimates that the new cold ironing facilities will lead to a reduction of approximately 3 tonnes of particulate matter, 100 tonnes of nitrogen oxides, and 4.8 kilotonnes of CO₂.
‘I’m very pleased that the PTA and the Port of Amsterdam have taken such decisive action to install shore power here. It shows what can be achieved when you share ambitions and join forces,’ said Hester van Buren, Alderman for the Port. ‘This installation is tangible proof that sustainability isn’t about tomorrow — it’s about today.’
As previously reported by ship.energy, construction of the installation, which was made possible through subsidies from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the European Commission, began in May 2023 and was completed in early 2025. Danish company Powercon A/S supplied the system, with BAM Infra Nederland as subcontractor. Grid operator Liander installed a total of 4.4 kilometres of cable beneath the IJ River, connecting a substation in Amsterdam-Noord to the PTA at the Veemkade. An additional 8 kilometres of cable was laid beneath the quay and pier decks.
‘The commissioning of shore power marks a major step towards a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable port,’ said Dick de Graaff, Director of Cruise Port Amsterdam. ‘This benefits residents, visitors, and the climate, and proves that our cruise terminal has the innovative strength to shape the future of responsible tourism.’
A Smart Energy Hub has been constructed on the quay at the PTA. This facility houses the systems of the grid operator, the transformers, and the shore power equipment. From here, electricity is distributed to the shore power cabinets along the quay. Using the Cable Management System, up to 50 metres of cable can be extended and connected to the ship. The green electricity comes in part from the Ruigoord wind farm in the port of Amsterdam.
In addition to serving sea cruise ships, there are plans to explore other uses for the shore power connection. These include encouraging further electrification of the cruise chain — such as tour buses — and supporting broader sustainability efforts in the city.
Moreover, the Port of Amsterdam says sea cruise ships already equipped for shore power will be given priority in the Dutch capital.
‘This shore power facility is an important step towards a more livable city, a sustainable port, and greener cruising,’ said Dorine Bosman, Chief Investment Officer at Port of Amsterdam. ‘The terminal’s central location calls for quiet and clean solutions — and that is exactly what we are now offering.’
Image: Port of Amsterdam
Ariane Morrissey
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