en.Wedoany.com Reported - International Car Operators (ICO), a subsidiary of NYK, has put into operation Belgium's first commercial shore power facility for Ro-Ro vessels at the Port of Zeebrugge, with a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) owned by NYK becoming the first ship to use the system. The news comes from a joint press release by NYK and ICO.

The system completed its testing phase in early June, with all technical specifications verified. This connection marks the first commercial operation of shore power for Ro-Ro vessels in Belgium and the first time an NYK Group vessel has received shore power at berth for a PCTC. The facility allows docked ships to shut down onboard generators and use shore-side electricity. ICO stated that the facility enables vessels to utilize renewable energy while in port, reducing emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, thereby improving air quality in the port and surrounding areas.

The shore power unit can supply one vessel at a time, with capacity for future expansion. ICO noted that all electricity supplied to ships comes from its on-site wind farm consisting of 11 turbines, all of which is green power. Additionally, ICO provides necessary connection equipment and cables, allowing vessels without onboard shore power infrastructure to use the facility. The project was partially funded by the Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship Agency (VLAIO). ICO stated that this investment helps prepare for the next generation of low-emission vessels and supports the port's role in the energy transition.

Alain Guillemyn, Managing Director of ICO, said the investment confirms ICO's ambition to play a pioneering role in a sustainable and competitive port environment in Belgium and internationally. The shore power launch is part of ICO's broader electrification plan, which has already installed over 600 electric vehicle charging stations, 12,600 square meters of solar panels, and an automated parking tower capable of holding 10,000 vehicles at its terminal.

International Car Operators (ICO) is a Belgian company under the NYK Group, founded in 1984. Its business includes Ro-Ro cargo handling and storage, vehicle processing and modification, ship agency services, and customs-related services. It operates terminals in Zeebrugge and Antwerp, handling over 2.5 million vehicles annually. NYK is a Japanese shipping and logistics group, with operations spanning maritime transport and related logistics services.

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