Europe's First Fully Automated Multilevel Parking System for Finished Vehicles to Be Constructed at the Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium

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4 November 2025

International Car Operators N.V. ("ICO"),* a wholly owned subsidiary of the NYK Group, has on September 15th obtained formal approval from the Belgian government for the construction of a fully automated multi-level parking facility at its finished vehicle terminal in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium. This facility will be the first of its kind at a European finished vehicle terminal.

The project aims to enhance operational efficiency and cut GHG emissions, thereby contributing to the development of the automotive supply chain in Europe in the most environmentally friendly way.

ICO's current vehicle terminal is among the largest in the world and boasts the largest cargo handling capacity in Europe. The facility presently has flat parking surfaces spanning 250 hectares with a combined capacity of approximately 75,000 vehicles.

The construction of this new, automated multi-level parking system on a 2.5-hectare footprint will add approximately 10,000 parking spaces. This expansion will enable ICO to increase its annual vehicle handling capacity from 2.5 million to 3 million units, positioning the facility to accommodate the growth of the European automotive market.

Additionally, the multilevel parking system offers enhanced efficiency and flexibility. Rather than requiring drivers to manually maneuver vehicles, the automated system enables drivers to simply activate an entrance device, after which the technology seamlessly relocates vehicles within the multi-level garage. This automation minimizes risks of human error and bolsters the safety of cargo operations.


Concept mage of the automatic multi-level parking system.   Image by NYK.

In addition, all cargo-handling machinery in the new facility will be powered by electricity generated from wind turbines** installed at the terminal. Furthermore, the terminal's close proximity to ship-berthing positions reduces the driving distance between the parking facility and the vessels, contributing to a significant reduction in GHG emissions.

* International Car Operators N.V. (ICO)
A Belgium-based wholly owned subsidiary of the NYK Group, ICO operates dedicated finished vehicle terminals at the ports of Zeebrugge and Antwerp. These ports serve as gateway ports for the import and export of finished vehicles in Europe. In addition to cargo handling services, ICO provides value-added services such as pre-delivery inspections and accessory installations.
Headquarters: Zeebrugge, Belgium
Website: http://www.icoterminals.com/en

** Wind power generation
At ICO's terminal, 11 wind turbines generate electricity that is planned to be used to power the fully automated multi-level parking garage.
Press release: Wind power generation begins at Belgium's finished vehicle terminal | Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha

NYK Group, press release