Shore Power Milestone for European RoRo Operations
International Car Operators (ICO), a subsidiary of Japan’s NYK Group, has officially commissioned Belgium’s first shore power installation tailored for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) tonnage at the Port of Zeebrugge.
The system completed a rigorous testing programme earlier this month and has now entered full commercial service, enabling berthed RoRo vessels to switch off auxiliary engines and draw clean electrical power from the quayside.
Technical Specifications and Environmental Gains
- Location: ICO terminal, Zeebrugge outer port
- Voltage: 11 kV, 50 Hz
- Capacity: 2 × 1.25 MVA transformers
- Connection points: two dedicated RoRo berths
- Emissions reduction: up to 1 800 t CO₂ per annum
- Noise abatement: elimination of auxiliary-engine noise during layovers
Operational Roll-out
ICO has integrated the shore-power interface into its existing terminal management software, allowing seamless scheduling of power connections alongside cargo operations. Vessel compatibility checks and crew briefings are conducted during pre-arrival exchanges to ensure smooth energisation.
The facility is initially serving NYK Group’s European RoRo fleet, with plans to extend availability to third-party operators in Q1 2025 following a review of performance metrics and regulatory compliance.
Regulatory and Industry Context
The project aligns with the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, which mandates a progressive reduction in greenhouse-gas intensity from 2025. Shore power is recognised as a key enabler for compliance, particularly at high-traffic RoRo hubs where vessels frequently call.
Port of Zeebrugge authorities have signalled support for further shore-power investments, targeting full coverage of RoRo and container berths by 2030.