Port of Antwerp develops system for onshore power in all Flemish ports

Antwerp Port Authority in collaboration with the Flemish government, other ports and waterway operators is developing a unified system for onshore power in all Flemish ports, the APA press release said.

An onshore power platform has been set up for this, and a pilot project is being carried out in the port of Antwerp. Seven new onshore power connection bollards have been installed on quay 75 beside the Noordkasteel dock, with a clear and simple system for registration and payment. The Port Authority attaches great importance to this project as it permits an integrated approach to combating air pollution on a local scale.

A handy online folder has been developed with clear explanations of the registration process and operation. Users have to register once only at www.portofantwerp.com/onshorepower and are given a personal page on which they can monitor their consumption. In collaboration with the barge industry a new payment system for the onshore power bollards on quay 75 has been introduced. From now on consumption will be charged monthly on the port dues invoice. In the other holding docks the system of magnetic swipe cards will continue to be used in the meantime. You can consult the online folder here. To register, go to www.portofantwerp.com/onshorepower.

Making onshore power available for barges forms part of the “Particulates” action plan aimed at making significant reductions in emissions of not only particulates but also other harmful pollutants such as NOx. The system enables barge operators to draw power while they are moored in dock, without having to run their diesel engines in order to generate electricity. As a further bonus there are significant reductions in CO2 emissions as the onshore power bollards are supplied with “green electricity” from renewable sources. With the installation of the new bollards the Port Authority seeks to promote the use of onshore power as an environment-friendly alternative to barge diesel engines.