NYK Group’s ICO Launches Belgium’s First Shore Power Facility for RoRo Ships

Why It Matters

Shore power eliminates the need for diesel generators at berth, cutting emissions and operational costs, positioning Zeebrugge as a green hub for RoRo shipping and setting a benchmark for European ports.

Key Takeaways

• ICO's Zeebrugge shore‑power facility powers one RoRo vessel at a time
• Electricity supplied comes from ICO’s on‑site wind farm of 11 turbines
• Shore power cuts CO₂, NOₓ, and particulate emissions for docked ships
• Facility supports vessels lacking onboard shore‑power equipment via provided cabling
• Project backed by Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO)

Pulse Analysis

Shore‑power technology is gaining traction as regulators and shippers seek to curb the maritime sector's carbon footprint. By connecting vessels to on‑shore electricity, ports can eliminate the use of auxiliary diesel generators, which are major sources of CO₂, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Europe has seen a surge in shore‑power installations for container ships, but roll‑on/roll‑off (RoRo) vessels—car carriers that traditionally rely on high‑power onboard generators—have lagged behind. The Zeebrugge rollout marks a pivotal shift, demonstrating that even energy‑intensive RoRo ships can transition to cleaner berthing practices.

ICO's facility leverages an on‑site wind farm comprising eleven turbines, ensuring that the electricity delivered is 100% renewable. The system currently supports a single vessel at a time, but its modular design allows for future scaling as demand grows. By providing the necessary cabling and connection infrastructure, ICO also accommodates ships that lack built‑in shore‑power capability, broadening the technology's applicability. Support from the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship underscores regional commitment to decarbonisation and highlights public‑private collaboration as a catalyst for green port initiatives.

The broader sustainability program at Zeebrugge—featuring over 600 EV charging stations, extensive solar arrays, and an automated parking tower—positions the terminal as a model for integrated, low‑emission logistics hubs. As global shipping standards tighten and customers prioritize greener supply chains, facilities like ICO's can offer a competitive edge, attracting environmentally conscious carriers. Anticipated expansions could enable simultaneous powering of multiple vessels, further reducing fuel consumption and operational costs across the RoRo segment, and signaling a new era of sustainable maritime operations.