Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) has installed the first shore power connection for seagoing vessels in Belgium. Shore power provides docked vessels in the port with electricity in an environmentally friendly and quiet manner, playing an important role in greening ports. The installation, operational in 2026, marks the first of its kind in Belgium for seagoing vessels, constructed according to international ISO standards.
Shore power enables moored ships to connect to the local electricity grid via a ‘socket’ on the quay. It reduces emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to improved local air quality and reduced environmental noise. Two fixed shore power connections will be installed at the Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) for car carriers and conro vessels.
AET, Europe’s largest multipurpose terminal and one of 24 terminals of the Grimaldi Group, is taking the lead. Although the European obligation to provide shore power for container vessels by 2030 does not extend to ro-ro and con-ro vessels, AET has chosen to provide it regardless. This makes them the first terminal in the port of Antwerp-Bruges and in Belgium to offer a “future-proof” fixed shore power installation for seagoing vessels, built beyond current EU regulations and directives.
HOPaS (High voltage Onshore Power As a Service) is the technology and service consortium comprising Techelec, Yuso, and Whitewood, responsible for the investment, installation, and operation of the future onshore power solution at AET. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges facilitates this rollout of shore power at the terminal.
Green Shore Power – The installation will feature 2 shore connections with a total capacity of 5MW, primarily for Grimaldi’s new ro-ro vessels. The commissioned projects represent a €25 to €30 million investment, for which the Flemish Agency for Innovation (VLAIO) has granted a €4 million subsidy. Operational by 2026, the installation is designed for future-proof expansion to accommodate additional vessels. Initially, 100% green electricity will be generated by the 3 wind turbines installed on the terminal site and operated by Wind aan de Stroom. Additionally, extra capacity will be generated by solar panels on the roof of the multilevel parking garage of the terminal and 2 additional wind turbines planned for installation on the terminal. The produced green energy will be stored in a large battery system to optimize its use.
A Greener Port – For the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, shore power is a crucial element in its efforts to green the port. Numerous connection points for quayside electricity are already available for barges and tugs, with quayside electricity set to be available for cruise ships in Zeebrugge from 2026. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is also committed to providing shore power for the largest container ships by 2028.
Annick De Ridder, President of the board of directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, remarked, “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 at the Antwerp Euroterminal and will be operational as of 2026. This project, 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.”
Yves De Larivière, CEO of Antwerp Euroterminal, added, “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.”
Andrea D’Ambra, Grimaldi Group, emphasized, “The Grimaldi Group is widely recognized as a pioneer in the decarbonization of the maritime sector. Indeed, we are deeply focused on reducing the impact of our fleet’s emissions both during navigation and while in port. It is no secret that 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. We are therefore excited about this new project starting at AET, our largest terminal, which will allow our ships to use green energy during port stays and enable our Group to continue progressing towards the decarbonization of its activities.”
Nicolas Broos, partner in the HOPaS consortium, concluded, “Green is not only the color of hope but is also associated with nature, growth, and renewal.”
About the Port of Antwerp-Bruges
With an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk, and the throughput of vehicles. Home to 1,400 companies, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. Directly and indirectly, the port provides around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
The ambition for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear—to become the world’s first port that reconciles economy, people, and climate. In addition to growing sustainably, the port aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime, and industrial center and to lead the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers, and other partners, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges actively seeks innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society.
Source Port of Antwerp-Bruges