Large ships ‘plugging in’ at Europa Terminal

PSAA and TM Stadsbader Jeco Energies sign contract for Shore Power Installation

PSA Antwerp and TM Stadsbader Jeco Energies have signed a contract for the construction of a shore power installation at the Europa Terminal. With a power capacity of 7.5 megawatts, the facility will supply up to 100 moored container ships per year with green electricity from the grid. This initiative will contribute to an annual CO₂ reduction of no less than 10,309 tons, equivalent to the emissions of approximately 625 European households.

The total investment in the shore power installation amounts to approximately 10 million euros, with up to 4 million euros subsidized by the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) through the European Union’s REpowerEU initiative.

Sustainable energy for docked ships

Even when stationary, ships consume significant amounts of energy for lighting, heating, and cooling, which is usually generated by engines running on fuel oil, diesel, or other fossil fuels. Thanks to the new shore power installation, ships docking at the Europa Terminal will be able to switch to electricity from the high-voltage grid starting in April 2026. This will result in a significant reduction of CO₂, nitrogen, and particulate emissions.

In addition to installing the system, PSAA is also investing in strengthening the high-voltage connection and training specialized personnel. The shore power installation itself will feature a movable connection point, allowing PSAA to provide sustainable power to ships at various locations along the quay. Only 100% green energy will be used, as PSA Belgium has sourced all of its electricity from renewable sources since 2017.

Partners in Sustainability

According to Jurgen De Wachter, General Manager PSAA container business: "With the planned shore power installation for the Europa Terminal, PSAA will be the first container terminal in the Port of Antwerp to offer shore power. We demonstrate once again that focusing on more sustainability is a priority for us."

The project’s executing partners also emphasize the importance of this innovation. "Our shore power team is extremely proud to be part of this initiative. It’s a clear example of how our innovative solutions contribute to the greening of the maritime sector. We look forward to continuing to use our knowledge and experience for shorepower initiatives, both in Belgium and beyond, and to contribute to a sustainable future." says Jan Van Nuffel, CEO of Jeco Energies. Dominique Valcke, CEO of Stadsbader Group, adds: "At Stadsbader, we are proud to be part of this innovative and sustainable project. Together, we are building the port of the future and a more sustainable world, perfectly aligned with our corporate values."

Project Emerald: Sustainable Modernization of the Europa Terminal

The shore power installation is part of Project Emerald, a collaboration between PSA Belgium and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This large-scale project includes the renewal of the Europa Terminal, involving the construction of a new quay wall with increased depth and the modernization of the terminal. These upgrades will make the terminal suitable for receiving mega-ships and will increase efficiency and capacity to 2.5 million TEU.

For more information, please contact stef.canters@jeco-energies.com.