On Monday 31 March 2025, the shore power installation at Cruise Port Shore Power on Holland Amerikakade was commissioned by Robert Simons, Deputy Mayor of Rotterdam, and Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam.

The launch of the connector vehicle, WAL.E. (“Wally”), marked the official arrival of shore power. This first connection to the cruise ship AIDAnova (AIDA Cruises) heralded a new era. Cruise ships are now able to shut down their generators, which means no more ambient noise or exhaust odours. Some 90% of cruise ships sailing in the North Sea can now connect to (green) shore power. Cruise Port Rotterdam is proud of completing this wonderful project in good cooperation with cruise lines, the Port of Rotterdam, the Municipality of Rotterdam, and many other partners. (See also "Proud of Arjan van der Linde" in this edition)

Photo: Wal E and photo Robert Simons + Boudewijn Siemons + Mai