Antwerp

At the Port of Antwerp an OPS connection for container vessels has been developed by the Independent Maritime Terminal, which is owned by the Independent Container Lines company. Development of the system was initiated by ICL. The initial aim of the project was to improve onboard working conditions for the crew and reduce the environmental impact of berthed ships.

“What originally started as a basic idea on improving the living conditions of the people on board the vessels, soon became a dream of the IMT directors and shareholders on a direct contribution to care for a better environment”. Chris April, Independent Container Lines.

Part of costs subsidized
The Antwerp Port Authority and the Flemish government have together subsidized 45 % of the costs of this project, which total € 1.1 million. The Flemish government provided over € 400,000, the Antwerp Port Authority € 96,000.

These costs cover installation of a 1 MVA at the Antwerp terminal and fitting the necessary ancillary equipment on board three ships. As the capacity of the existing power grid to the terminal was more than ample, the costs of this project can be evaluated as relatively low.