Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Expansion of the high-voltage network for Europe’s first electric tugboat

The ambition of Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear: to be climate-neutral by 2050.
A first major step towards achieving this ambitious goal is greening its own fleet, which accounts for no less than 85% of the port’s direct emissions. In 2022, Port of Antwerp-Bruges therefore ordered six new tugboats, including the Volta 1, Europe’s first electric RSD tugboat.

To be able to charge this vessel, a significant expansion of the high-voltage network was necessary. Imtech took on the entire project as Design & Build: from engineering to execution and maintenance, PoAB could rely on us.

Challenges: a 2.5 MW high-voltage cabin and directional drilling

To charge the Volta 1, an additional 2.5 MW high-voltage cabin had to be installed. Meticulous execution and the right expertise were essential. “Integrating a charging station of this capacity into an existing high-voltage network on an operational site is a major challenge.” – Bram Vandermast, Project Manager at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. In the first phase, Imtech carried out directional underground drilling, pulling conduits to neatly integrate the high-voltage cables into the existing network loop. A remarkable technical feat, successfully completed thanks to careful preparation and the expertise of our teams and subcontractors.

“In Belgium, it’s not easy to locate underground cables. Moreover, there are always risks associated with working with high voltage. I am therefore very proud that our team handled this challenging assignment with care and executed it perfectly.” – Gino Van Den Bossche, Assistant Project Manager at Imtech

Phase 2: installation and connection of the charging arm

After completing the high-voltage work, shipbuilder Damen also asked Imtech to handle the installation of the charging station and the cabling between the container, charging arm, inverter, and high-voltage cabin. For this phase, Imtech worked directly with Damen. C-concrete provided the concrete base on which the charging station was installed.

Solution-oriented thinking under pressure

An unexpected typhoon in Vietnam caused the charging arm – manufactured there – to arrive in a closed rather than an open sea container, the only available option. Since the container could only be opened from the front, this presented a technical puzzle upon arrival in Antwerp. It was a challenge to safely remove this large and delicate equipment from the container without damage.

“For me personally, that was really fun. Not your ordinary day at the office. It’s great to work as a team to find a solution together.” – Gino Van Den Bossche, Assistant Project Manager at Imtech

Innovative and sustainable

Before the greening program – which, in addition to the six new tugboats, also included one hydrogen and one methanol-powered vessel – the fleet was responsible for 85% of Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ CO₂ emissions. With the arrival of the Volta 1, an important step is taken toward a more sustainable, climate-neutral port by 2050.

“It is the first electric RSD tugboat in Europe and the second to actually charge via a charging station. Worldwide, there are only three electric RSD tugboats.” – Bram Vandermast, Project Manager at Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Through this project, Imtech contributes not only to greening the port fleet but also to the smart grid of the future. Soon, the energy management system on site will be further rolled out to control charging stations and solar panels even more intelligently.

A successful collaboration

We would like to thank all colleagues and partners who contributed to this project:

The Imtech Maintenance team, which provided crucial support thanks to its knowledge of the site and available tools, and is responsible for daily maintenance on site.
C-concrete (Cordeel Group), for supplying the concrete base
Damen, for smooth collaboration
Project partners Peter Melis and Stefaan Hove from Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and Bjorn Meyntjens and Sam Vervloet from Imtech, essential links for an efficient project flow

“From A to Z, this project ran smoothly. From the first discussions to execution and follow-up. It’s a textbook project.” – Bram Vandermast, Project Manager at Port of Antwerp-Bruges