A cornerstone of PSAA’s sustainability strategy is the Green Straddle Carrier Program, which focuses on decarbonizing its straddle carrier fleet. In May 2023, PSAA introduced a fully electric straddle carrier at its Port of Antwerp terminal to test zero-emission technologies. Francis De Ruytter, Regional Head of Sustainability for PSA Europe, Mediterranean, and the Americas, stated: “Straddle carriers are essential for our daily terminal operations but are also responsible for the vast majority of our direct emissions in Belgium. That’s why we are investing heavily in our Green Straddle Carrier Program.”
Transitioning to zero-emission equipment presents challenges, including limited interoperability among manufacturers and a lack of standardized charging infrastructure. Edward Tah, Managing Director of PSA Belgium, noted: “Equipment from different manufacturers often lacks full interoperability, and there are very few standardized charging infrastructure solutions available. On top of that, battery-electric port equipment requires significant investments. Through this alliance, we aim to accelerate the transition by working closely with other front-runners to scale up zero-emission equipment.”
PSAA also plans to install a 7.5-megawatt shore power system at its Europa Terminal by 2026, enabling up to 100 berthed container ships annually to use green shore power. This initiative is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 10,309 tons per year starting in 2026.
Operating three container terminals in the Port of Antwerp, PSA Antwerp is a key division of the PSA Group. Beyond containers, it manages breakbulk, steel, and project cargo at PSA Breakbulk, as well as RoRo and paper at PSA Zeebrugge’s multipurpose terminal. By joining ZEPA and advancing initiatives like the Green Straddle Carrier Program and shore power installation, PSAA strengthens its commitment to sustainable port operations, contributing to the industry’s shift toward cleaner technologies in the Port of Antwerp.
