On June 2, Cruiseport Rotterdam took a significant step towards sustainable port operations by appointing Danish PowerCon A/S to realize the shore power installation. Peter Castberg Knudsen, partner of PowerCon, and Mai Elmar, director of Cruiseport Rotterdam and Cruiseport Shore Power (CSP), signed the agreement, solidifying their commitment to reducing emissions and noise pollution in the port.
CSP, a subsidiary of the Port of Rotterdam Authority established specifically for shore power construction and operation, will oversee the project management on behalf of Cruiseport Rotterdam. Shore power, also known as cold ironing, significantly reduces CO2, nitrogen, and particulate matter emissions, while also minimizing the noise generated by cruise ships at the quay. With the implementation of shore power, Cruiseport Rotterdam is already ahead of European regulations, which mandate that all cruise ships in European ports must utilize shore power by 2030.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Robert Simons, the Port Alderman of Rotterdam, and Boudewijn Siemons, the COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. They signed a 'starting document,' as the Port Authority, the municipality, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management have collaborated to secure the necessary financing for the project.
The estimated construction costs for the shore power installation amount to approximately 15 million euros. Cruiseport Rotterdam expects that by 2025, over 75 percent of cruise ships visiting the port will utilize shore power. This year alone, 124 cruise ships are scheduled to arrive at Cruiseport Rotterdam, making the implementation of shore power a significant milestone in the port's sustainability journey.
PowerCon A/S, a Danish company specializing in energy transition solutions, particularly in wind energy and shore power, has extensive experience in installing shore power systems for cruise ports. Apart from Cruiseport Rotterdam, PowerCon is also involved in the construction of shore power facilities in Miami, Barcelona, and Hamburg. Recently, PowerCon signed a contract with the Port of Amsterdam for the installation of shore power infrastructure.
The collaboration between Danish PowerCon A/S and Cruiseport Rotterdam underscores the commitment to environmental stewardship and marks a crucial step towards achieving sustainable port operations. By reducing emissions and minimizing noise pollution, Cruiseport Rotterdam is setting a precedent for other ports worldwide in adopting innovative and eco-friendly solutions.
