Study shows switch to on-shore power supply
is beneficial for regular port users

10/03/2012

The Zeebrugge port authority and POM West-Flanders have launched a study to investigate whether or not it is technically and financially interesting to install on-shore power supply facilities on the quays and on ships. The study was executed by the Ingenium bureau, who have selected the ships that call on Zeebrugge regularly and stay in our port for longer periods of time. For 25 percent of the calls in Zeebrugge, the study concluded positively. This is about 10 percent of the ships in Port of Zeebrugge. The results of this study were presented during a workshop this morning.

Port of Zeebrugge, a Clean Port, cares for a good air quality. The pure environment in our port is a trump card. The Zeebrugge port authority therefore continuously supports and invests in new initiatives and developments in sustainability.

The installation of the on-shore power supply at the Wielingendok in 2000, where StoraEnso is operational, shows that Port of Zeebrugge is a frontrunner in applying new developments for cold ironing.

The international regulations for sulphur emission control places restrictions on sea vessels in the North Sea and in the European ports. This stimulates ports, terminal operators and shipping lines worldwide to implement the needed technology. However, a switch to on shore power supply is a heavy financial investment.

The study investigated the ships that call on our port regularly and that stay docked for a longer period. The selection is roughly equal to half of Zeebrugge’s traffic. For 25 percent of the number of calls in Zeebrugge, the installation of on-shore power supply technology proved interesting both technically and financially.

“This interesting study show the importance of on-shore power supply for the environment, costs and for the continuity of our port. We are now going to discuss the results of the study with the terminals and shipping lines involved. Newly built ships are equipped with the required technology, so the profitability is set to rise in the future. Port of Zeebrugge is already giving a reduction in port dues to the ships that have an Environmental Ship Index above 30.”, says Joachim Coens, chairman – managing director Port of Zeebrugge.

Port of Zeebrugge - Press release