The Zeebrugge port authority and POM West-Flanders launched a study to investigate whether or not it is technically and financially beneficial to install onshore power supply facilities on the quays and on ships.
The study was executed by the Ingenium bureau, who selected the ships that call on Zeebrugge regularly and stay in our port for longer periods of time. For 25% of the calls in Zeebrugge, the study concluded positively. This is about 10%of the ships in Port of Zeebrugge.
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 onshore power supply is a heavy financial investment.
The study investigated the ships that call on Zeebrugge port regularly and that stay docked for longer periods. The selection is roughly equal to half of Zeebrugge’s traffic. For 25% of the number of calls in Zeebrugge, the installation of onshore power supply technology proved beneficial both technically and financially.