First shore power for seagoing vessels arrives at Antwerp Euroterminal

Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) installs 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 way and therefore plays an important role in the greening of ports. The installation will be operational in 2026 and will be the first one in Belgium for seagoing vessels, built according to international ISO standards.

Scoop for Belgium

Shore power allows 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 and contributes to better local air quality and less environmental noise. ​ Two fixed shore power connections will be installed at the Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) for car carriers and conro vessels. AET is Europe's largest multipurpose terminal and one of 24 terminals of the Grimaldi Group. Although the European obligation to provide shore power for container vessels by 2030 does not apply to ro-ro and con-ro vessels, AET deliberately chooses to provide it anyway. This makes them the first terminal in the port of Antwerp-Bruges - and in Belgium to provide a “future proof” fixed shore power installation for seagoing vessels, built beyond current EU regulations & directives.

HOPaS (High voltage Onshore Power As a Service) is the technology and service consortium comprising Techelec, Yuso, and Whitewood that will handle the investment, installation, and operation of the future onshore power solution at AET (www.hopas.eu). Port of Antwerp-Bruges facilitates this rollout of shore power at the terminal.

Green shore power

The installation foresees 2 shore connections with a total capacity of 5MW primarily for Grimaldi's new ro-ro vessels. The commissioned projects will carry a €25 to €30 million investment, to which the Flemish agency for innovation (VLAIO) granted a €4 million subsidy. The installation will be operational by 2026 and designed for future proof expansion, enabling additional vessels to connect. The 100% Green electricity is initially produced by the 3 wind turbines installed on the terminal site and operated by Wind aan de Stroom. In addition, extra capacity will be produced by solar panels on the roof of the multilevel parking garage of the terminal and 2 extra wind mill turbines that are on the planning to be installed on the terminal. The produced green energy will be stored into a large battery system to optimize the use of the generated electricity.

A greener port

For Port of Antwerp-Bruges, shore power is an important part of the greening of the port. Numerous connection points for quayside electricity are already available for barges and tugs, and in Zeebrugge quayside electricity will be available for cruise ships from 2026. 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: “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.”

Yves De Larivière, CEO van Antwerp Euroterminal: “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 ecofriendly focus of AET and Grimaldi.”

Andrea D’Ambra, Grimaldi Group: “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: “Green is not only the colour of hope but is also associated with nature, growth and renewal.”