The Port of Zeebrugge does not deny Ostend its place under the sun when it comes to positioning itself as the place to be for involvement in the offshore wind industry. Yet, it will wholeheartedly welcome the maritime contractor and towage company Jan de Nul, which will construct 16 concrete foundations for a wind farm in the Swedish section of the Baltic Sea.

The Port of Zeebrugge’s chairman Joachim Coens told Offhore WIND that Zeebrugge would like to keep up its green profile, so closely surrounded by offshore wind farms. The self-appointed Clean Port has onshore wind turbines installed, provides shore power facilities for vessels to reduce the number of generators being run while vessels are in port and boasts accommodating clean industry, thus lifting the carbon footprint of the port. Mr Coens added that the port has only been used occasionally as base for the offshore wind energy sector.