Shore power at public berths
The Port of Rotterdam Authority uses shore power as a means for creating a future-proof port with net-zero CO2 emissions. The shore power programme has been established for this purpose, with a particular focus on inland shipping. In collaboration with the municipality of Rotterdam, we aim for all inland vessels to be moored emission-free at every public berth by 2030.
Shore power not only reduces emissions (particulate matter, nitrogen and CO2), but also reduces noise and odour nuisance, thereby contributing to improving the local air quality and the living environment for both local residents and staff on board.
Quick links:
- Shore power user instructions
- Check wether your vessel has the recommended equipment
- Which plug do I need?
- Shore power facilities
- Shore power projects
Shore power user instructions
To ensure shore power is used safely, we recommend some guidelines. Inland vessels that meet these guidelines should be able to connect to shore power at our public berths without any problems.
The following guidelines apply: NEN-EN 15869-3:2019 standard (up to 125 Ampère) and the NEN-EN 16840:2017 standard (250 Ampère up to 400 Ampère). Check below whether your inland vessel has the recommended equipment.
Shore power cabinet
Shore power cabinets have been installed for inland shipping according to the NEN-EN 15869 (up to 125 Ampère) and NEN-EN 16840 (250 Ampère up to 400 Ampère) standards.
Isolation transformer
NEN-EN 15869 and NEN-EN 16840 require an isolation transformer as part of the vessel’s equipment. The isolation transformer prevents electrolytic corrosion of your inland vessel and at the same time guarantees safe operation on board.
Shore power connection
Plugs that meet the IP67 standard are dust and waterproof, thereby providing a safe connection between the shore power cabinet and the vessel.
Soft-start switch
The soft-start switch ensures that the current is turned on gradually when coupled, preventing the shore fuse from becoming overloaded.
Shore power connections
Would you like to use one of our shore power cabinets with a 125 Ampère connection, but you have a lower amperage connection on board? In that case, you can use a current distributor or block plug adaptor, according to the NEN 1010 standard. Do make sure that this current distributor has the correct circuit breaker as described in the NEN 1010 standard.
| Shore connection | Type of plug |
|---|---|
| 16A | CEE-5 pole |
| 32A | CEE-5 pole |
| 63A | CEE-5 pole |
| 125A | CEE-5 pole |
| 250A | CEE-5 pole |
| 350A | CEE-5 pole |
| 400A | Powerlock |
If you have any connection problems, check these connection instructions, contact Connect4Shore or check out the FAQs.
Shore power facilities
Shore power facilities are available at public berths in the port, enabling you to connect to the shore electricity grid. The costs for shore power are 38 cents per kWh (incl. VAT, rate in January 2026).
Shore power projects for inland shipping in the port of Rotterdam
There are approximately 100 shore power cabinets available at about 70 public berths in the port. At Pier 3 in the Waalhaven, four public inland berths have been constructed with shore power up to 350 amps. From 2026, we will gradually replace outdated shore power cabinets and instal new ones. In total, approximately 150 to 200 new shore power cabinets will be added in the coming years. All electricity supplied is generated entirely from sustainable sources
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