With the commissioning of three Alfen Peperbus transformer substations, the Municipality of Arnhem has completed a multi-year shore power project along the Rhine embankment (Rijnkade). Since early 2026, river cruise ships moored along the bustling waterfront hospitality district have been able to use green electricity to power their onboard systems, without the intrusive emissions and constant rumble of diesel generators. 

A Public-Friendly Urban Environment 

In addition to creating emission-free zones throughout the city, the shore power project is part of Arnhem’s broader sustainability ambitions. The project forms an integral part of the redevelopment of the Rijnkade into a more attractive and public-friendly urban space. 

Along the Rijnkade, historic buildings and modern residential complexes coexist with restaurants, cafés, and intensive river cruise traffic. To create an infrastructure that supports comfortable living and enjoyable stays on the waterfront terraces, the Municipality of Arnhem worked together with the Rijn and IJssel Water Authority on a multi-year development program. 

The Alfen Peperbus transformer substations are prominent features within an otherwise fully concealed infrastructure, seamlessly integrated into the carefully designed public space. 

The Challenge 

According to Wilfred Bakker, Senior Project Supervisor for Public Space Projects at the Municipality of Arnhem, it quickly became clear that the Peperbus was the best solution to meet all functional and environmental requirements. 

“The shore power project is part of a much larger initiative: the redevelopment of the Rijnkade. That means you are working with many different stakeholders. For example, the Port Authority, which manages the system on a daily basis, as well as colleagues from our Urban Planning & Landscape Architecture department, who assess the architectural integration into the surrounding environment. We had previously installed a Peperbus transformer station in a narrow street in the city center as a grid transformer. It was very well received.” 

The Solution 

“The primary objective was to provide shore power for river cruise vessels. To achieve this, we involved external partners, including engineering consultancy Haskoning for the technical design, as well as landscape architect Theo Reesink of Buro Poelmans Reesink Landscape Architecture, who has been involved in much of the public space design in Arnhem’s southern city center.” 

Wilfred continues: “Our requirement was that three ships should be able to simultaneously draw 400 amps. Together with the contractor, Alfen initiated a design process which we reviewed and approved. The result is an elegant, slim column with additional cooling fins, integrating everything: the software cabinet, transformer, and electrical connections. All components are accessible through three doors. I consider that a major advantage.” 

A total of three Peperbus substations have now been installed along the 1.2-kilometer stretch of the upper quay. Through underground cables, they supply power cabinets located on the lower quay, where vessels dock and connect to the shore power system. Each Peperbus provides capacity for three users simultaneously. 

Future Developments 

Within the shore power project, the Peperbus substations ultimately proved to be the easiest components to integrate, thanks to their strong design concept and Alfen’s responsive support. 

“You can have them supplied in any color, so we chose the standard color that has been widely used throughout our city center. They are still new now, but they will undoubtedly become poster columns over time. They can also be wrapped or even transformed into artworks with graffiti. Most importantly, local residents are pleased that shore power is finally available. And for the cruise ships, it is very beneficial that they can purchase green electricity at competitive rates. In my view, it’s a win-win situation for everyone!” 

— Wilfred Bakker 

Want to Learn More? 

Would you like to know more about Alfen’s smart grid solutions for city centers, business parks, residential areas, and landscapes? 
Please contact us via: Contact | Alfen.