Port-related emissions in Belgium are set to decrease after the Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced new energy-efficient boats and plans for new power infrastructures.
As part of the European Union's green deal, Belgium aims to cut its emissions – compared to the levels in 1990 – by 55% by 2030. This is a step towards the larger goal of being climate neutral by 2050.
The Port's new plans were announced on Friday, just over a month since a report by the Ministry for Environment showed that Belgium will fail to achieve its climate goals unless there was a "major acceleration" in efforts.
One of the major plans is the modernisation of the Swedish Quay in Zeebrugge. This includes a shore power installation that allows cruse ships to switch to green electricity at the quay.
Plan image. Credit: Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Additionally, the terminal's redevelopment is set to improve connectivity and reduce the need of buses to take passengers onto the ship, reducing environmental impact. A project to create more green spaces in the area is also in the works.
"The transformation of the Swedish Quay not only marks an advance in our infrastructure, but also an important step towards a more sustainable future," said the Mayor of Bruges and Vice-Chairman of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges board of directors, Dirk De Fauw.
The shore power facility project received a total oof €3.2 million from a European subsidy from the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility.
The new infrastructure is set to be constructed between 2027 and 2028. It is anticipated to be operational in the spring 2029.
First electric tugboat
Last month, six new energy-efficient tugboats arrived at the Port as a "milestone" in their sustainability efforts. The boats are set to reduce emissions and be more efficient in terms of their fuel consumption.
Among the six new boats was Volta 1, the first fully electric tugboat in Europe. The tugboats were built in Vietnam in 2023. They were loaded onto a transport vessel in October 2024 and travelled over 10,000 kilometres before arriving in Belgium on 28 November.
Credit: Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
The tugboat order was made as part of the 'greening programme' which focuses on projects dedicated to developing a more sustainable fleet. According to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, around 85% of carbon dioxide emissions at the port are related to the fleet.
The tugboats are currently being prepared for full deployment in the port. Technical preparations, crew training, and testing of Volta 1 with the newly installed charging infrastructure will be underway in the following months.
