Sea cruise ships docking in Amsterdam can now plug into shore power at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), allowing them to shut down their onboard generators and significantly cut emissions and noise pollution
The long-anticipated shore power installation at the PTA was officially completed in early 2025. Ships that call on the terminal — currently around 100 port calls each year — can now connect to the electric grid instead of burning marine fuel to power onboard systems while berthed. According to the Port of Amsterdam, this transition could cut approximately 4.8 kilotonnes of CO₂, 100 tonnes of nitrogen oxides, and 3 tonnes of particulate matter annually.
The city isn’t stopping at encouragement. From 2027 onward, the use of shore power for sea cruise ships will be mandatory at this location — three years ahead of European Union regulations. This early adoption positions Amsterdam among the leaders in sustainable port infrastructure.
Hester van Buren, Alderman for the Port, called the project a milestone: “It shows what can be achieved when you share ambitions and join forces. This installation is tangible proof that sustainability isn’t about tomorrow — it’s about today.”
12.4 Kilometers of Subsurface Cabling
Building the system was no small feat. The project began in May 2023 and involved extensive underground and underwater work. Powercon A/S, a Danish shore power specialist, supplied the high-voltage installation, while Dutch civil engineering contractor BAM Infra Nederland served as the primary subcontractor.
Liander, the regional grid operator, installed 4.4 kilometers of cable beneath the IJ River to connect a substation in Amsterdam-Noord with the terminal at Veemkade. Another 8 kilometers of cabling was laid beneath the quay and the pier decks.
The shore power system received financial backing from both the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the European Commission, underlining the strategic importance of the investment for both national and EU climate goals.
Smart Energy Hub on the Quay
A dedicated Smart Energy Hub now sits at the terminal, integrating the grid connection, transformers, and power conversion systems. The power is then distributed through shore cabinets positioned along the quay, where ships connect using a 50-meter extendable cable via a Cable Management System.
The electricity powering the ships includes renewable energy from the Ruigoord wind farm located within the Port of Amsterdam — ensuring that the emission reductions are not just local, but climate-beneficial.
Dick de Graaff, Director of Cruise Port Amsterdam, noted: “The commissioning of shore power marks a major step towards a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable port. This benefits residents, visitors, and the climate.”
Future Applications Beyond Cruise Ships
While cruise ships are the immediate beneficiaries, the port authority is also considering expanding the use of the shore power connection. There are plans to support further electrification of the cruise travel chain, such as tour buses, as well as exploring broader municipal sustainability initiatives using the surplus grid capacity.
Ships that are already equipped with shore power connections will be prioritized in berth planning, according to Dorine Bosman, Chief Investment Officer at Port of Amsterdam. “This shore power facility is an important step towards a more livable city, a sustainable port, and greener cruising,” she said.
With the PTA situated at the heart of the city, reducing ship emissions and noise levels has become a pressing concern for both the municipality and local residents. The shore power system is a concrete move in the direction of meeting Amsterdam’s climate neutrality ambitions by 2050 — and an indicator of what’s to come for other European ports under similar pressure.
