PSA Belgium’s Zeebrugge terminal was the first port of call for WALLENIUS SOL’s new Swedish container and roll-on/roll-off (ConRo) vessel Baltic Enabler. From there, the state-of-the-art ice-class vessel embarked on its new regular route, connecting the Western European ports of Zeebrugge, Antwerp and Lubeck with seven ports in the Gulf of Bothnia in Northern Scandinavia.

After its maiden voyage to PSA Zeebrugge from its shipyard in China on 18 August 2022, the terminal subsequently had the privilege of hosting the ship’s official name-giving ceremony on 2 November 2022.

With a total length of 242 meters and a width of 35.2 meters, the Baltic Enabler is one of the world’s largest ConRo ships of its class, boasting a total capacity of 6,442 lane meters and 960 TEUs. It can carry both containerised freight and roll-on roll-off (RoRo) equipment. The vessel also has an A1 Ice Classification, enabling it to sail through ice up to a meter thick and operate above the ice line in the Baltic Sea during winter.

The Baltic Enabler is also more sustainable than other ships in its class. Its 10,500-kilowatt multi-fuel engines can run on LNG, biogas, diesel and synthetic diesel, allowing it to use 60% less fuel and emit 60% fewer carbon emissions than previous vessels on this service.

PSA Zeebrugge has had a long-term customer relationship with WALLENIUS SOL, especially for its products such as paper, wood pulp and board from companies such as Stora Enso and Metsä Group.

The terminal has kept its competitive edge by continuously upgrading its terminal facilities over the years to fit the sector’s changing needs. In response to the advancements in RoRo ships for example, PSA Zeebrugge and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges have invested significantly to increase the lengths of the quays and piers, including new linkspans – or pontoons – that are able to accommodate the largest jumbo RoRo vessels. The terminal has also doubled its yard size from 30 to 60 hectares, and increased its warehouse space from 80,000 square meters to 100,000 square meters.

PSA Zeebrugge has also made investments on the sustainability front and is in the process of replacing all its diesel forklift trucks with electric models to reduce its carbon emissions. It is also looking to install three wind turbines that will supply the terminal with renewable electricity.

PSA Zeebrugge Head of Operations Theo Milliau said, “We have worked closely together with WALLENIUS SOL, the owner of the Baltic Enabler, for many years and know the company’s needs very well. Being selected as the first port of call and for the official name-giving ceremony shows that WALLENIUS SOL appreciates our partnership and our commitment to continuing to work sustainably together in the future.”