PSA Antwerp announces shore power installation for europa terminal
By 2026, the Europa Terminal in the Port of Antwerp will be equipped with a cutting-edge shore power system, PSA Antwerp (PSAA) announced today in a Formal Investment Decision (FID) to the Flemish Agency for Enterprise and Innovation (VLAIO). The installation will provide 7.5 megawatts of green electricity, allowing up to 100 container ships per year to power down their engines and connect to the grid. This initiative is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 10,309 tonnes annually.
“We are once again demonstrating that sustainability is a core priority for us,” says Jurgen De Wachter, General Manager of PSAA’s container business. The project, estimated to cost around €10 million, will receive up to €4 million in funding from VLAIO under the European Union’s REPowerEU initiative.
Currently when docked, ships continue to consume energy for essential operations such as lighting, heating, and cooling, which is typically generated by onboard engines running on fuel oil, diesel, or other fossil fuels. Once the shore power system is operational, vessels at the Europa Terminal will be able to switch to electricity from the high-voltage grid through a shore power installation, eliminating the need for engine-generated power. This transition will result in significantly reduced emissions of CO₂, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
The implementation of the shore power system at the Europa Terminal is a significant step towards sustainability and reducing environmental impact. By providing green electricity to docked ships, PSA Antwerp is leading the way in promoting cleaner and more efficient port operations. This initiative is part of the broader Emerald Project.
Renovation of Europa Terminal
Project Emerald is a collaborative effort between PSA Belgium and the Port of AntwerpBruges, focused on the large-scale renovation of the Europa Terminal. This ambitious initiative encompasses the construction of a new quay wall with increased draught capacity, overseen by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and the modernisation of the terminal by PSAA. These enhancements will enable the terminal to accommodate mega-ships, boost its operationalcapacity, and play a pivotal role in the port’s transition to climate neutrality. The three-phase renovation aims to create a more efficient and sustainable container terminal. By 2032, the Europa Terminal is expected to be fully operational, boasting a handling capacity of 2.5 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units).
A key component of the first phase, slated for completion by 2026, is the installation of a shore power system. This system is projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 10,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to the annual emissions of around 625 average European households. To support this initiative, PSAA is investing in reinforcing the high-voltage grid connection and training staff to specialize in shore power operations.
The shore power system features a mobile connection point, allowing vessels to access green electricity at multiple locations along the quay. All power supplied will come from 100% renewable energy sources, as PSA has been using exclusively green electricity in Belgium since 2017.
Building expertise
Through this project, PSA Antwerp is building expertise and solidifying its pioneering role in sustainable port operations. “PSA is a company committed to investing in a sustainable future, and this shore power installation is further proof of that commitment," said Jurgen De Wachter.