Port Technology International — 2026-11-02
Maritime and Ports
Port of Antwerp-Bruges will raise several tariffs by 3.97 per cent from 1 January 2027, in line with the August 2026 CPI.
The adjustments will apply across its Antwerp and Bruges-Zeebrugge operations, covering vessel dues, terminal-related services, concessions and port facilities.
Towage tariffs in Antwerp’s docks will rise by 3.57 per cent, while towage dues in Zeebrugge will increase by 2.65 per cent under the existing agreements with Boluda.
For sea-going vessels, the port authority will introduce changes to discounts and charges across both port areas. The reduction for consecutive calls at Antwerp and Zeebrugge will increase from 10 per cent to 20 per cent.
The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) discount mechanism will also be standardised, removing the existing restriction based on vessel construction year in Antwerp and the minimum discount applied in Zeebrugge.
Vessels with an ESI score between 45 and 70 will receive a 10 per cent discount, while those scoring above 70 will qualify for 15 per cent.
Reductions for specific vessel operations will also be harmonised across both ports. These include 50 per cent discounts for calls solely for own-use bunkering, repairs or dry-docking, empty-handed calls, degassing and crew changes. Bunker vessels will receive a 75 per cent reduction, while transit calls will be charged at €0.4941 per gross tonnage (GT).
In Antwerp, vehicle berthing dues will be aligned with Zeebrugge’s rates, reaching €0.1830 per tonne from January 2027.
In Bruges-Zeebrugge, the permitted duration of stay for all vessel types will increase from 14 to 20 days. The port will also introduce a $150 hourly charge for using the RoRo bridge at quay 113.
For automotive vessels, the gradual removal of the GT adjustment will continue. From January 2027, liner services will pay €0.1307 per GT, while non-liner services will pay €0.2883 per GT. Container vessels will also face a higher maximum chargeable tonnage, increasing from 175,000 GT to 200,000 GT.
Cruise tariffs will change from 1 January 2028. A greening charge of €4,000 ($4,487) per ship per call will apply, increasing to €6,000 ($6,731) for a first connection.
A separate €1.50 per-passenger charge will also apply, regardless of shore power use. Ships that connect to shore power will receive a €1,000 discount per call.
Electricity consumption will cost €0.31 per kWh, with a 10 per cent surcharge for usage between 19:00 and 22:00.
Waste charges will also be revised from January 2027. In Antwerp, the fee will comprise €400 ($448) per ship, €0.027 per GT and a maximum charge of €1,750 ($1,963). In Bruges-Zeebrugge, the corresponding figures will be €150 ($168), €0.011 per GT and a €900 ($1009) maximum.
Additional charges will apply to refrigerated containers at the left-bank border inspection post. From January 2027, operators will pay €9 ($10.10) per reefer container per calendar day for monitoring system use.
Repairs outside opening hours will cost €1,000 ($1,121) for interventions of up to three hours, followed by €250 ($280) for each additional hour or part thereof.
Concession tariffs will also increase by 3.97 per cent, while a new annual charge of €25.99 ($29.16) per square metre will apply to battery energy storage system activities on concession land.