PSA Antwerp has announced a Formal Investment Decision (FID) to implement an advanced shore power installation at the Europa Terminal by 2026.
This project will have a capacity of 7.5 megawatts, enabling up to 100 container ships per year to draw green shore power, resulting in an annual CO2 reduction of up to 10,309 tons. The project, costing approximately €10 million, will receive up to €4 million in subsidies from the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) through the EU’s REpowerEU initiative.
The shore power installation will allow ships docked at the terminal to switch from onboard engines to electricity from the high-voltage grid, significantly lowering emissions of CO2, nitrogen, and particulate matter.
During the 2023 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Theodosia Digalaki, Technical Product Manager, ERMA FIRST, explained that shore power has the following benefits
- Reduction of air pollutants.
- Shore power can have a positive ROI depending on local electricity rates.
- When shore power is combined with renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind energy), the carbon footprint could be eliminated.
- Vibration and noise on board are eliminated, improving seafarers’ living conditions.
- Not using auxiliary engines while berthed results in a longer life cycle and lower maintenance costs.
As part of Project Emerald, a collaboration between PSA Belgium and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the terminal will undergo a major renovation aimed at transitioning to a climate-neutral port and increasing its capacity to handle mega-ships.
By 2032, the terminal is expected to be fully operational, with a capacity of 2.5 million TEU. The first phase, focusing on the shore power installation, is anticipated to reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to the yearly emissions of about 625 average European households.
Additionally, PSA Antwerp is investing in upgrading the high-voltage grid connection and training personnel for shore power operations.
