On Tuesday, work began to install a shore power installation at the cruise terminal on the Swedish Quay in Zeebrugge (Belgium). In the near future, cruise ships will be able to switch off their polluting diesel generators and fully utilize shore power.
Shore power is an environmentally friendly and quiet way for ships to moor. It allows ships to plug into the local grid and shut down their onboard diesel generators, eliminating sources of CO₂, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate emissions while berthed. With this project, the port aims to reduce disruption for residents and passengers.
No more CO2 emissions
The Swedish Quay currently accounts for five percent of the CO2 emissions from all ships moored at the quays in Antwerp and Zeebrugge. Thanks to the new shore power installation, there will be no more CO2 emissions, and the odor and smoke nuisance will also be reduced for residents, passengers, and crew – a win for tourism and local quality of life.
Installation work began on Tuesday, and the first cruise ships are expected to be able to connect in the first half of 2027. Meanwhile, plans are already underway for a second installation.
Leap forward
Such a shore power installation costs approximately €18 million, part of which is covered by European and Flemish subsidies. It can supply two ships simultaneously. Numerous connection points have been available for inland vessels and tugboats for some time now.
The shore power connection coming to Zeebrugge will be a significant leap forward for cruise operations, the environment, and the surrounding community.
Climate neutral by 2050
The project is part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ ambition to be climate neutral by 2050. From 2027, ‘plug-in on arrival’ will become a reality in Zeebrugge, “even before the European obligation of 2030,” concludes Port of Antwerp-Bruges COO Rob Smeets.
More changes are planned at the Swedish Quay. The port authority wants to build a new terminal to better accommodate cruise tourists. The new terminal will be closer to the ships, ensuring passengers can (dis)embark safely and comfortably.
A covered walkway will be added to the buses, making it easier for passengers to access the terminal. The new terminal is scheduled to be operational in the spring of 2029.
