Sweco supports ENGIE, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Zefier with 8 new wind turbines in Zeebrugge

In October 2026, preparatory works will begin for the construction of 8 new wind turbines in the Port of Zeebrugge, with a combined capacity of 42.6 MW. This expansion of local wind energy capacity is being made possible through a partnership between ENGIE, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Portfineco (50% Zefier – 50% Port of Antwerp-Bruges), which are jointly investing in the project. Following an intensive process involving permits, environmental studies and technical preparation, during which Sweco closely supported ENGIE, the permits are now final and the project is ready for implementation. The turbines will become operational in the second half of 2027.

This month, ENGIE will start the civil works for the construction of 8 new wind turbines in the Port of Zeebrugge, on the sites of the RoRo terminals operated by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and International Car Operators (ICO). From early 2028, the new wind turbines will generate approximately 115 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year, equivalent to the average electricity consumption of around 33,000 Belgian households over the same period.

This project is being made possible through a joint investment by ENGIE, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Portfineco. ENGIE will ensure the operational management of the wind turbines on behalf of the joint project company Seagull I.

“With this new project in Zeebrugge, we are contributing to Belgium’s renewable electricity supply and strengthening Zeebrugge’s role as an energy hub for the region. For large-scale wind projects such as this one, we primarily look to port and industrial areas, which are so important to the economy and need affordable, sustainable and reliable energy more than ever.”

Nicolas Van den Abeele, Managing Director Renewables at ENGIE Belgium

Wind park takes maximum account of the environment and ecology

During the permitting phase, Sweco prepared the project EIA and substantiated the environmental permit application, with particular attention to nature and biodiversity. As the port environment of Zeebrugge is home to large gull populations during certain periods of the year, the environmental permit application paid special attention to this aspect. Based on existing data and field research across different seasons, our ecologists mapped bird migration as well as resting and foraging areas, among other factors.

Based on these data, we were able to develop extensive collision-risk modelling for the winter period, covering all wind turbines and the overall flight movements of gulls in the Zeebrugge region. This was a major step towards understanding the cumulative impact of all existing and planned wind turbines on overwintering gull populations.

These insights make it possible to take targeted measures, such as moving turbine positions away from busy flight paths and temporarily shutting down turbines during peak periods of flight activity. During the operational phase, strong emphasis will also be placed on respecting the local living environment in other areas. The effects of shadow flicker, noise and lighting will be kept to a minimum.

A major step for the Flemish energy transition

This project underlines how ENGIE, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Zefier and Sweco are working together to build a stronger and more sustainable energy system in Flanders. The combination of permitting and technical expertise, innovation and a strategic location in the Port of Zeebrugge will deliver more locally generated green energy, a stronger energy mix and greater security of supply. In this way, the Flemish energy transition is given tangible momentum.