International Car Operators (ICO), a company within the NYK Group, has initiated operations of the first shore power facility designed for Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels at the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium. This milestone follows a successful testing phase conducted in early June, which confirmed all technical specifications. The initial vessel to utilize the system was a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) operated by NYK, which successfully connected and received electricity from the shore. This facility received a grant from the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO).
This development signifies the first commercial deployment of a shore power system for Ro-Ro vessels in Belgium. Shore power, also known as cold ironing, allows vessels to switch off their auxiliary engines while berthed and connect to the port's electrical grid. This process significantly reduces local air pollution from exhaust gases (such as NOx, SOx, and particulate matter) and lowers noise levels in the port area.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this new shore power capability at Zeebrugge offers several benefits. It contributes to more sustainable supply chains, which is increasingly important for shippers aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. While there's no direct impact on rates or capacity, the availability of shore power can enhance a port's attractiveness for carriers committed to green initiatives, potentially influencing future service offerings or port calls. It also aligns with growing regulatory pressures for cleaner shipping, providing an advantage for vessels calling at Zeebrugge.
This initiative is expected to encourage further adoption of shore power infrastructure in other European ports, supporting the broader maritime industry's decarbonization goals.
