- Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) has installed the first shore power connection for seagoing vessels in Belgium, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability.
- Scheduled to be operational by 2026, this installation will adhere to international ISO standards, providing docked vessels with an environmentally friendly and quiet source of electricity.
Shore power, allowing moored ships to connect to the local electricity grid via a quay-side socket, plays a crucial role in reducing emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter. This contributes to improved local air quality and reduced environmental noise, aligning with broader environmental goals.
AET’s Proactive Initiative
Two fixed shore power connections will be set up at AET specifically for car carriers and conro vessels. AET, the largest multipurpose terminal in Europe and part of the Grimaldi Group, is pioneering this initiative despite the European mandate for container vessels to adopt shore power by 2030 not extending to ro-ro and con-ro vessels. This proactive measure positions AET as the first terminal in the port of Antwerp-Bruges, and indeed in Belgium, to offer a “future proof” fixed shore power installation beyond current EU regulations.
HOPaS Consortium Involvement
HOPaS (High voltage Onshore Power As a Service), a consortium comprising Techelec, Yuso, and Whitewood, will manage the investment, installation, and operation of this shore power solution at AET. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges will support this initiative.
Project Specifications and Funding
The installation includes two shore connections with a total capacity of 5MW, primarily serving Grimaldi’s new ro-ro vessels. The project, with an investment range of €25 to €30 million, has received a €4 million subsidy from the Flemish agency for innovation (VLAIO). The installation is designed for future expansion to accommodate additional vessels.
Green Energy Production
The green electricity required for this shore power will initially be generated by three wind turbines on the terminal site, operated by Wind aan de Stroom. Additional capacity will come from solar panels on the terminal’s multilevel parking garage and two more planned wind turbines. The green energy produced will be stored in a large battery system to optimize usage.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ Greening Strategy
For the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, shore power is a key component of its greening strategy. Numerous connection points for quayside electricity are already in place for barges and tugs, and from 2026, Zeebrugge will offer quayside electricity for cruise ships. Additionally, the port is committed to providing shore power for the largest container ships by 2028, further cementing its role in promoting sustainable maritime operations.
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Source: Port News
