Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) is set to introduce Belgium’s first shore power connection for seagoing vessels.
This innovative installation, operational by 2026, will provide docked ships with environmentally friendly and quiet electricity, significantly contributing to the port’s sustainability efforts. Built to international ISO standards, this will be Belgium’s premier shore power setup for seagoing vessels.
Shore power enables ships to connect to the local electricity grid through a ‘socket’ on the quay, reducing emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter. It also improves local air quality and minimizes noise pollution. AET will install two fixed shore power connections specifically for car carriers and con-ro vessels.
“Shore power is a very efficient measure to reduce emissions and is essential for our sustainable ambitions as a world port. This first shore power installation for deep-sea vessels will be installed on the Antwerp Euroterminal and will be operational as of 2026. This project, that was made possible through the generous support of a grant from Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (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,” commented Annick De Ridder, president of the board of directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
As Europe’s largest multipurpose terminal and a key terminal of the Grimaldi Group, AET’s initiative is notable because, although the European mandate for shore power by 2030 doesn’t cover ro-ro and con-ro vessels, AET has chosen to implement it proactively. This makes AET the first terminal in Antwerp-Bruges and Belgium to offer a “future-proof” shore power installation for seagoing vessels, exceeding current EU regulations.
Furthermore, the High Voltage Onshore Power As a Service (HOPaS) consortium, comprising Techelec, Yuso, and Whitewood, will manage the investment, installation, and operation of this shore power solution at AET.
“We already have plugs for our e-bikes, cars and soon trucks. Plugging our vessels will be a great next step. This solution opens a door to a new dimension in the eco-friendly focus of AET and Grimaldi,” stated Yves De Larivière, CEO van Antwerp Euroterminal.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges supports this rollout. The installation includes two shore connections with a total capacity of 5MW, primarily for Grimaldi’s new ro-ro vessels. This project represents an investment of US$27 to US$32 million, with a US$4,3 million subsidy from the Flemish Agency for Innovation (VLAIO). Designed for future expansion, the system will allow additional vessels to connect over time.
Initially, 100% green electricity will be supplied by three wind turbines on the terminal site, operated by Wind aan de Stroom. The additional capacity will come from solar panels on the terminal’s multilevel parking garage and two more planned wind turbines. A large battery system will store the generated green energy, optimizing its use.
For the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, shore power is a crucial element in its greening strategy. The port already provides numerous connection points for quayside electricity for barges and tugs, and from 2026, Zeebrugge will offer shore power for cruise ships. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges also plans to provide shore power for the largest container ships by 2028.
