The Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority has unveiled plans to modernize the Swedish Quay in Zeebrugge (Belgium), an initiative expected to cost between EUR 40 million and EUR 50 million. Central to this modernization is the installation of shore power facilities, aligning with the port’s overarching goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The first phase of the project involves the implementation of shore power, with work scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025. Once operational, this system will allow ships docked at the quay to switch from diesel generators to green electricity sourced directly from the high-voltage grid. According to the port authority, this transition will result in a 98% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 95% decrease in particulate matter. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to have the shore power facilities fully operational by 2027, ahead of the European regulatory deadline of 2030. The initiative is partly funded by a EUR 3.2 million European grant from the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility.
The modernization project also includes significant upgrades to cruise ship infrastructure. A new, carbon-neutral, modular, and more spacious terminal building will replace the existing ABC terminal, which was inaugurated in 2018. The growth in cruise activity at Zeebrugge has rendered the current terminal less efficient, as it has increased reliance on shuttle buses, cranes for tide-adaptable gangways, and additional security personnel, all of which have raised operational costs.
The new terminal, located on the Swedish Quay, will address these inefficiencies. Positioned adjacent to the ships, the facility will eliminate the need for shuttle buses and cranes, significantly reducing associated costs. Additionally, three new passenger boarding bridges will be installed, designed to accommodate tidal variations and provide weather protection. These bridges will connect to an elevated walkway, ensuring the separation of passenger and cargo flows, thereby enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. The terminal is expected to be fully operational by 2031.
The redevelopment also includes improvements to connectivity with the hinterland. A large ground transportation area adjacent to the terminal will support seamless passenger movement via buses, taxis, and shared bicycles. The plan further integrates green spaces into the quay area, repurposing portions of the quay for recreational use and contributing to the quality of life for the surrounding community. An old railway line will be converted into hiking and biking trails, and connections to the nearby residential area and ‘Rederskaai’ marina will be enhanced to make Zeebrugge more appealing to cruise passengers, thereby encouraging local economic activity.
In 2024, the port recorded 187 cruise ship calls, bringing 557,000 passengers to Zeebrugge. This figure represents 4.1% of all visitors to Bruges, 5.7% of day tourists, and 11.7% of international day tourists to the city. The ongoing development of the Swedish Quay is expected to further strengthen Zeebrugge’s position as a key destination for cruise passengers and a critical node in the region’s maritime infrastructure.