By
Laura Hyde |
Work has begun to provide shore power capabilities to visiting ships at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium. The cruise terminal at the Zweedse Kaai in Zeebrugge will offer shore power connectivity for two vessels simultaneously from early 2027, three years before shore power becomes compulsory in Europe under FuelEU regulations.
Currently, the Zweedse Kaai terminal uses diesel generators for electricity for all ships at the quays in Antwerp and Zeebrugge, which accounts for about five per cent of carbon dioxide emissions. Installing a shore power facility at the terminal will cut emissions, as well as reduce odours and visual disturbance for local residents, visitors and port employees.
“Shore power will enable us to reduce emissions at the cruise terminal to zero while providing more comfortable conditions for passengers, crews and local residents,” said Rob Smeets, chief operations officer at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. “From 2027, ‘plug-in on arrival’ will become a reality in Zeebrugge, even before it becomes compulsory in Europe in 2030.”
Visiting cruise ships will plug into the shore power facility via a movable loading arm
The installation is being funded by €3.1 million ($3.61 million) from the European Commission and €830,000 ($966,721) from the Flemish government.
“This project perfectly illustrates the role that Equans Belux is seeking to play in the energy transition that is taking place in the maritime sector,” said Mark Dirckx, CEO of Equans Belux, the Belgian and Luxembourg branch of multi-technical service provider Equans. “By acting as a single point of contact, we provide our client with a full-service solution that combines technical performance, reliability and sustainability. By providing shore power, we are helping to reduce emissions and improve the quality of life around the port, while paving the way towards the future of maritime transportation.”
The installation of shore power is part of a broader renovation project at the Zweedse Kaai terminal, which will also include the construction of a new terminal building with boarding bridges, and a battery system as well as the redevelopment of part of the quay into green space. There are also plans for a second shore power system installation. The port hopes to be climate neutral by 2050 and is investing in alternative fuels for tugs, additional electrification, energy-efficient buildings and circular economy projects.
“This project combines state-of-the-art infrastructure with quality of life by reducing emissions, odour and the generation of smoke,” said Dirk De fauw, mayor of Bruges and deputy chair of the board of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. “We purposefully set out to provide a future-proof port for cruise vessels that welcomes visitors without burdening the environment. By doing so, we are proving that sustainability and economic dynamism can go hand in hand.”
(from left) Mark Dirckx of Equans Belux, mayor Dirk De fauw and Rob Smeets of Port of Antwerp-Bruges