Antwerp Euroterminal (AET), Europe’s largest multipurpose terminal and one of 24 terminals of the Grimaldi Group, is launching the installation of shore power connection for seagoing vessels in Belgium, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced.

The installation includes two 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 is scheduled to become operational in 2026, and it will be the first one in Belgium for seagoing vessels, built according to international ISO standards. The system will be designed for future expansion, enabling additional vessels to connect.

100% Green electricity will be initially produced by the three 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 two additional turbines which are set to be installed at the terminal. Energy generated will be stored in a large battery system to optimise energy management.

The investment, installation, and operation of the onshore power solution will be managed by HOPaS (High voltage Onshore Power As a Service), a technology and service consortium comprising Techelec, Yuso, and Whitewood. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges will facilitate the rollout of shore power at the terminal.

“For the 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,” the port said.

Despite the exemption for ro-ro and con-ro vessels from the European mandate to offer shore power by 2030, AET’s decision will make it the first terminal in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and in Belgium overall, to install a “future-proof” fixed shore power system for seagoing vessels, surpassing current EU regulations and directives.

“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,” Andrea D’Ambra, Grimaldi Group, said.

“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 decarbonisation of its activities.”

Antwerp Euroterminal (AET), Europe’s largest multipurpose terminal and one of 24 terminals of the Grimaldi Group, is launching the installation of shore power connection for seagoing vessels in Belgium, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced.

The installation includes two 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 is scheduled to become operational in 2026, and it will be the first one in Belgium for seagoing vessels, built according to international ISO standards. The system will be designed for future expansion, enabling additional vessels to connect.

100% Green electricity will be initially produced by the three 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 two additional turbines which are set to be installed at the terminal. Energy generated will be stored in a large battery system to optimise energy management.

The investment, installation, and operation of the onshore power solution will be managed by HOPaS (High voltage Onshore Power As a Service), a technology and service consortium comprising Techelec, Yuso, and Whitewood. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges will facilitate the rollout of shore power at the terminal.

“For the 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,” the port said.

Despite the exemption for ro-ro and con-ro vessels from the European mandate to offer shore power by 2030, AET’s decision will make it the first terminal in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and in Belgium overall, to install a “future-proof” fixed shore power system for seagoing vessels, surpassing current EU regulations and directives.

“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,” Andrea D’Ambra, Grimaldi Group, said.

“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 decarbonisation of its activities.”