ICO has launched Belgium’s first commercial shore power facility for RoRo vessels at the Port of Zeebrugge, enabling ships to plug into renewable electricity and shut down onboard generators while berthed. The system, powered by ICO’s wind energy and supported by NYK Group operations, significantly reduces port emissions and marks a key step in Zeebrugge’s maritime decarbonisation strategy.
Zeebrugge, Belgium | June 19, 2026 – A major step forward in the decarbonisation of European port operations has been achieved in Zeebrugge, where International Car Operators N.V. (ICO), part of the Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Group), has launched Belgium’s first commercial shore power facility dedicated to roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels.
The milestone follows a successful testing phase earlier this month and marks the first time a RoRo vessel in Belgium has been supplied with shore-based electricity during commercial operations. It also represents a first for the NYK Group in using shore power for a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) at berth.
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First plug-in operation for RoRo shipping in Belgium
The inaugural connection was completed with an NYK-operated PCTC, which was plugged into the terminal’s new system at ICO’s Zeebrugge facility. Once connected, the vessel’s onboard auxiliary engines were shut down, allowing it to draw power directly from the shore-based grid.
This transition eliminates the need for ships to run diesel generators while berthed, significantly reducing emissions typically associated with port stays. The system is currently configured to supply one vessel at a time, with infrastructure designed for future scalability as demand for shore power grows across the RoRo segment.
Cutting emissions at berth: immediate environmental impact
Shore power, also known as “cold ironing”, is increasingly seen as one of the most effective tools for reducing port-related emissions. By replacing onboard fuel combustion with terminal-supplied electricity, vessels can dramatically cut:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions
- Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ)
- Particulate matter
For busy automotive and RoRo hubs like Zeebrugge, where vessels often remain at berth for extended periods, the technology offers immediate air quality benefits for port workers and surrounding communities. All electricity supplied through the new facility is certified green, sourced from ICO’s own renewable generation assets, including an on-site wind farm comprising 11 turbines.
Industry–government collaboration behind the project
The development of the facility was supported by funding from the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO), highlighting the role of public-private cooperation in accelerating maritime decarbonisation infrastructure.
ICO Managing Director Alain Guillemyn described the project as a strategic investment in the future of the port and its competitiveness “This investment confirms ICO’s ambition to play a pioneering role in a sustainable and competitive port environment, both in Belgium and internationally.”
The project also reinforces Zeebrugge’s positioning as a key European hub for low-emission logistics infrastructure, particularly in the automotive shipping sector.
Built for a rapidly electrifying logistics ecosystem
The shore power launch is not an isolated initiative but part of a broader electrification strategy at ICO terminals in Belgium. The company has already deployed:
- More than 600 EV charging stations for vehicles in storage and handling
- 12,600 m² of solar panel installations at its terminals
- An automated parking tower capable of storing up to 10,000 cars
Together, these systems reflect a gradual transformation of terminal operations toward a fully electrified logistics ecosystem, reducing reliance on fossil fuels across both cargo handling and vessel servicing.
Technical capability and future expansion potential
The current shore power installation is designed to supply one vessel at a time, but the system has been engineered with future expansion in mind. As RoRo fleets increasingly incorporate shore power compatibility into vessel design, demand is expected to rise steadily across Northern Europe.
The system also includes flexible connection infrastructure, enabling vessels without fully standardized shore power configurations to connect through adaptable cabling solutions, an important feature for mixed-generation fleets still transitioning toward electrification.
Strengthening Zeebrugge’s role in Europe’s energy transition
Zeebrugge is one of Europe’s most important automotive and RoRo hubs, handling large volumes of finished vehicles and heavy cargo flows. The introduction of shore power strengthens its competitive positioning as regulatory pressure mounts across the EU to reduce emissions from shipping at berth.
By enabling vessels to switch off auxiliary engines during port stays, ICO’s facility directly supports broader European climate targets and emerging port emission regulations that are increasingly requiring or incentivising shore-side electricity use.
A milestone for NYK’s global sustainability strategy
For NYK Group, the launch represents another step in its broader decarbonisation roadmap, which includes investments in alternative fuels, energy-efficient vessel design, and port-side emission reduction technologies.
As one of the world’s largest shipping and logistics operators, NYK’s adoption of shore power for RoRo operations signals growing industry alignment around electrification as a near-term emissions reduction tool, particularly for vessels with predictable port calls and high idle-time emissions.
A new baseline for RoRo port operations in Belgium
With the system now in commercial operation, Zeebrugge joins a growing network of European ports deploying shore power infrastructure for maritime decarbonisation. However, its focus on RoRo and automotive carriers places it at the centre of one of shipping’s most active logistics segments. The launch of ICO’s facility marks more than a technical upgrade, it represents a structural shift in how port energy is delivered, consumed, and integrated into the broader maritime supply chain.
As more vessels are expected to arrive with shore power compatibility in the coming years, Zeebrugge’s new system may become a blueprint for other RoRo terminals across Europe seeking to align operations with tightening environmental standards and evolving fuel strategies.
About International Car Operators N.V. (ICO)
International Car Operators N.V. (ICO) is a Belgium-based RoRo terminal operator specializing in the handling, storage, and processing of vehicles, heavy equipment, and breakbulk cargo. Operating major terminals in Zeebrugge and Antwerp, ICO manages millions of vehicles annually and provides integrated logistics services including ship agency, customs handling, and vehicle modification. The company is increasingly focused on terminal electrification and sustainability, with investments in shore power, solar energy, and large-scale EV infrastructure.
About NYK Line
Established in 1885 in Japan, NYK Line, formally known as Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, has emerged as a global leader in the maritime industry over its 135-year history. Operating a diverse fleet, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, NYK serves over 800 locations worldwide, offering a comprehensive suite of shipping services. NYK Line has earned recognition for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety, navigating the complexities of global logistics with diligence and foresight. This ongoing dedication underscores NYK’s pivotal role in shaping the future of ocean transport and reaffirms its status as a cornerstone of the maritime landscape.
Source: NYK Line