
€50 Million Modernization of Zeebrugge Port’s Swedish Quay: Shore Power and New Cruise Terminal on the Horizon
The Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority has announced a significant €40-50 million modernization project for the Swedish Quay located in Zeebrugge, Belgium. This initiative focuses primarily on the installation of shore power facilities, part of the port’s commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The project’s first phase will start in the fall of 2025 with the installation of shore power, enabling docked ships to utilize green electricity instead of diesel generators. This shift is projected to cut CO2 emissions by 98% and reduce particulate matter by 95%. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges plans for the shore power facilities to be operational by 2027, ahead of the EU regulatory compliance deadline of 2030. This phase is supported by a EUR 3.2 million grant from the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility.
In addition to enhancing shore power capabilities, the modernization effort also involves upgrading cruise ship infrastructure. The current ABC terminal, which was opened in 2018, will be replaced with a new, larger modular terminal to improve efficiency. This change comes in response to increased cruise activity, which has made the existing terminal less suitable due to higher operational costs linked with shuttle buses and tide-adaptable gangways.
The new terminal will be directly adjacent to the ships, eliminating the need for shuttle buses and cranes, thereby cutting costs. It will feature three new passenger boarding bridges accommodating tidal variations and ensuring weather protection. These bridges will connect to an elevated walkway to separate passenger and cargo movement, enhancing safety and efficiency. The new terminal is expected to be completed by 2031.
The redevelopment project aims to improve connectivity with the surrounding areas. A newly designated transportation area will facilitate passenger flows through buses, taxis, and bike-sharing options. Green spaces will also be integrated into the quay area, with plans to convert part of the quay into recreational areas and enhance pathways like an old railway line for hiking and biking. This transformation is intended to make Zeebrugge a more attractive destination for cruise passengers, thereby boosting local economic activity.
In 2024, Zeebrugge welcomed 187 cruise ship calls, accounting for 557,000 passengers, which represented 4.1% of all visitors to Bruges. The planned development of the Swedish Quay will reinforce Zeebrugge’s role as a pivotal cruise destination and a vital component of the regional maritime infrastructure.
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