PSA Antwerp (PSAA) has filed a Formal Investment Decision (FID) to the Flemish Agency for Enterprise and Innovation (VLAIO) to upgrade the Europa Terminal with a shore power system.
The facility will generate 7.5 megawatts of green electricity each year, allowing up to 100 containerships to turn off their engines and connect to the grid.
This effort is estimated to cut CO2 emissions by up to 10,309 tonnes per year beginning in 2026.
The project, which is expected to cost roughly €10 million ($11 million), will get up to €4 million ($4.4 million) in funding from VLAIO under the European Union’s REPowerEU programme.
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This initiative is part of the larger Emerald Project. Project Emerald is a collaboration between PSA Belgium and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges that aims to renovate the Europa Terminal on a massive scale.
This effort includes the building of a new quay wall with greater draught capacity, which will be handled by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, as well as the terminal’s renovation by PSAA.
The terminal’s upgrades aim to increase capacity, handle mega-ships, and contribute to the port’s shift to climate neutrality.
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The three-phase redevelopment intends to improve the container terminal’s efficiency and sustainability. The Europa Terminal is projected to be completely operational by 2032, with a capacity of 2.5 million TEU.
The first phase, expected to be completed by 2026, includes the installation of a shore power infrastructure.
This technology is expected to cut CO2 emissions by around 10,000 tonnes per year. PSAA is reportedly investing in upgrading the high-voltage grid link and educating workers in shore power operations to assist with this project.
The shore power system has a moveable connection point that allows vessels to get green electricity from various positions along the quay.