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Antwerp-Bruges to install first seagoing shore power in Belgium

[ May 30, 2024   //   ]

Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) says it is installing the first shore power connection for seagoing vessels in Belgium, due to go into operation in 2026.

Shore power allows moored ships to connect to the local electricity grid via a ‘socket’ on the quay and reduces emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter while cutting noise.  Two fixed shore power connections will be installed at the Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) for car carriers and conro vessels. AET is Europe’s largest multipurpose terminal and one of 24 terminals of the Grimaldi Group.

In fact, the European obligation to provide shore power for container vessels by 2030 does not apply to ro-ro and con-ro vessels, but AET said it had chosen to provide it anyway.

The HOPaS (High voltage Onshore Power As a Service) technology and service consortium comprising Techelec, Yuso, and Whitewood will handle investment, installation and operation.

The project represents a €25-30 million investment, with the Flemish agency for innovation (VLAIO) granting a €4 million subsidy. The installation will be designed for future expansion, enabling additional vessels to connect. Green electricity will initially produced by three wind turbines installed on the terminal site and operated by Wind aan de Stroom and extra capacity will be produced by solar panels on the roof of the multilevel parking garage of the terminal. Two further wind turbines will also be installed on the terminal. Electricity will be stored in a large battery system.

Connection electric points are already available for barges and tugs throughout the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and in Zeebrugge quayside electricity will be available for cruise ships from 2026. The port is also committed to providing shore power for the largest container ships by 2028.  

President of the board of directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Annick De Ridder, said:  “This project, that was made possible through the generous support of a grant from VLAIO, is a fine example of how, as Flanders’ number one economic engine, we are pioneering, innovating and working on the port of the future together with the industry.  It is also a nice example of the role of facilitator we take upon us.”

Griamldi Group hybrid and digital innovation manager, Andrea D’Ambra, added: “The “Zero Emission in Port” project, which started back in 2018, has led to the installation of large battery packs on board some of our ships with the aim of achieving the target of zero emissions, zero smoke and zero noise while at quay, even where shore connection is not available yet. Today, in addition to the 16 ships in operation and the 12 under construction, all equipped with battery packs, we have already nine ships fitted for shore connection. Furthermore, 38 ships (including new buildings) will be equipped with AMP (Alternative Marine Power) and ready to connect by 2026.”

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