Zweedse Kaai masterplan

Infrastructure Investments & concessions Energy & climate

Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to be climate neutral by 2050. The modernisation of the Zweedse Kaai is an important step in this regard. From 2027, cruise ships will be able to connect to shore power, while a new terminal building will enhance the passenger experience and improve the quality of life for local residents. The works will be carried out in several phases and will take approximately five years.

De vernieuwde Zweedse Kaai voorziet walstroom voor cruises.

Initiator(s)

Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Duration

26/08/2025 - 30/01/2030

Location

Zweedse Kaai

Why?

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is working to minimise the environmental impact of cruises and enhance the quality of life in Zeebrugge. Shore power allows ships to switch off their diesel generators while docked, significantly reducing CO₂ and particulate matter emissions. This contributes to improved air quality and, consequently, a healthier environment.

The quay infrastructure will also be modified to reduce traffic congestion, improve accessibility, and enhance passenger comfort. With passengers flowing more smoothly, no buses on the quay, and a new entrance and exit, the impact on the neighbourhood is minimised.

Finally, the port area will be upgraded: outdated zones will be replaced with green spaces and pedestrian-friendly connections.

Shore power

The shore power installation for the cruise terminal at Zweedse Kaai will be operational by the first quarter of 2027. A conversion station will be built to adjust the incoming electricity to the correct voltage and frequency. Shore power cabinets will be installed along the quay and connected to the conversion station via underground cables, and a mobile, movable loading arm will link the shore power cabinet to the ship.

The conversion station includes technical installations such as transformers and frequency converters, as well as a garage area where the mobile loading arm can be stored when not connected to a ship.

Render van de walstroominstallatie aan cruiseterminal in Zeebrugge.

Shore power cabinets are junction boxes that connect to the electrical systems of the conversion station. Four such cabinets will be installed along the first berth at Zweedse Kaai, allowing moored ships to connect regardless of the location of their shore power point.

The mobile loading arm, controlled remotely, travels from the conversion station’s garage to the edge of the quay. Using a cable on a reel, the arm will connect to a shore power cabinet and move along the quay to the ship’s connection point. The loading arm automatically adjusts for tidal changes while the ship is connected.

Shore power facility planning

Planned for 2025 to 2027

Further works

Q3 '25 - Q2 '26 - demolition of the existing high voltage building and construction phase of the new conversion station.
Q2 '26 - Q3 '26 - trench work for cables and shore power cabinets along the quay edge.
Q2 '26 - Q4 '26 - conversion station equipment works These include the installation of transformers, frequency converters, medium-voltage cells, and building services.
Q4'26 - Q1 '27 - testing and official commissioning of the shore power installation

Mogelijk toekomstbeeld gemaakt door Signum+ Architects

Cruise Terminal

Planned for 2025 to 2030

Further works:

Q3 '25 - Q4 '25 - drafting the programme of requirements and validating it with stakeholders
We work with the design office and stakeholders to define the project’s key requirements. This way, we obtain a programme of requirements that meets the expectations for the new cruise terminal.
Q1 '26 - Q3 '26 - Tender process for appointing the DBM team, including negotiation and contract award
The contractor who is awarded the contract will be responsible for the design, construction and maintenance. This ensures smooth and efficient project progress.
Q3 '27 - Q2 '28 - Environmental permit process
Q3 '27 - Q1 '30 - Design, construction and delivery