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Dutch Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen yesterday activated Rotterdam's first shore-based power connection for sea-going vessels at the Stena Line terminal.

The company’s ferries can now obtain their electricity from the mainland and are therefore no longer required to run their engines to generate power. Stena Line will use the facility for four of its vessels.

"This investment will improve the air quality considerably in the immediate vicinity of the terminal," the Port of Rotterdam Authority said.

The installation of the shore-based power was supported by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the municipality of Rotterdam and the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment.

In a statement, Port of Rotterdam Authority said the latest development was in line with its aim to become the most sustainable port in the world.

Around 300 shore-based power connections for inland shipping are now in use in the city centre. Recently a special connection for river cruise vessels was also installed.

The port authority pointed out that there were no current plans for more shore-based connections for sea-going vessels due to the high investment costs involved. However, new and renovated quays are said to be prepared for shore power in the future.