Cruise ships can now make use of onshore power (OPS) at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA).
‘Norwegian Prima’ was the first to connect up to the service in early June.
Starting in 2027, the use of shore power in Amsterdam will become mandatory, some three years ahead of pending European regulations.
Plugging into shore power significantly reduces emissions at the quay. The PTA estimated that with around 100 calls a year, this will lead to a reduction of about 3 tonnes of particulate matter, 100 tonnes of nitrogen oxides, and 4.8 kilotonnes of CO₂. Switching off the generators also reduces noise levels.
Dick de Graaff, Director of Cruise Port Amsterdam, said: “The commissioning of shore power marks a major step towards a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable port. This benefits residents, visitors, and the climate, and proves that our cruise terminal has the innovative strength to shape the future of responsible tourism.”
Construction of the installation began in May, 2023 and was completed in early 2025. Denmark’s Powercon supplied the system, with BAM Infra Nederland as sub-contractor.
Grid operator, Liander, installed a total of 4.4 km of cable beneath the IJ River, connecting a substation in Amsterdam-Noord to the PTA at the Veemkade. An additional 8 km of cable was laid beneath the quay and pier decks.
The installation was made possible in part through subsidies from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the European Commission.
A smart energy hub has been constructed on the cruise quay. This facility houses the grid operator systems, 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 m of cable can be extended and connected to the ship.
The green electricity comes in part from the Ruigoord wind farm within the port of Amsterdam.
In addition to serving cruise ships, there are plans to explore other uses for the shore power connection, including encouraging further electrification of the cruise chain – such as tour buses – and supporting broader sustainability efforts in the city.
Cruise ships already equipped for shore power will be given priority in Amsterdam.
Dorine Bosman, Chief Investment Officer at Port of Amsterdam, said: “This shore power facility is an important step towards a more liveable city, a sustainable port, and greener cruising. The terminal’s central location calls for quiet and clean solutions, and that is exactly what we are now offering.”
