Zeebrugge to get its first shore power facilities for cruise ships

Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority will introduce shore power facilities for cruise ships in Zweedse Kai, Zeebrugge, Belgium, allowing the switch to green electricity from the high-voltage grid at the quay.

This is a first for cruise ships in Zeebrugge, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges said, adding that eliminating the need for ships to run diesel generators will reduce CO2 and particulate matter emissions by 98% and 95% respectively.

Work on the shore power installation is scheduled for the fall of 2025. By 2030, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges plans to install shore power facilities for two cruise ships in Zeebrugge, the first of which is expected to be operational in 2027.

The Port Authority is also investing in new infrastructure to handle cruise ships. This includes a new terminal building and redevelopment of the quay area. As disclosed, the study for the new infrastructure will start in 2025 and the construction will take place in 2027-2028. Reportedly, the new terminal should be operational by spring 2029.

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) is providing a European grant of €3.2 million for the shore power facility, and according to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, additional grant opportunities for terminal modernization are being explored.

Rob Smeets, COO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, stated: “This project is all about preparing our port for the future. Our mission is clear: the Port of Zeebrugge must not only be an economic engine, but also a pioneer in sustainability and efficiency.”

Dirk De fauw, Mayor of Bruges and Vice Chairman of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges Board of Directors, remarked: “The transformation of Zweedse Kaai not only encompasses advances in our infrastructure, but is also an important step towards a more sustainable future.”

In related news, in May 2024, it was announced that Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) will install shore power connection for seagoing vessels in Belgium. As informed, two fixed shore power connections are being installed at the AET for car carriers and combination container and roll-on/roll-off (ConRo) ships. The installation is expected to be operational in 2026.

To note, with shore power, moored ships can be connected to the local electricity grid via a “socket” on the quay. Reportedly, this reduces emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and particulate matter and it contributes to better local air quality and less environmental noise.