Zeebrugge: A Global RoRo Powerhouse
Zeebrugge is Europe’s leading Roll-on/Roll-off port, handling millions of vehicles annually. Its artificial, modern infrastructure and seamless integration of rail, short-sea shipping, and container logistics position it as a central node for global RoRo operations.
The port's commitment to digitalization, sustainability, and operational efficiency sets a clear benchmark for the industry.
The future of RoRo is not just about bigger vessels, it's about smarter terminals, greener corridors, and real-time logistics.
This sentiment captured during the visit resonated strongly, reflecting a broader shift in the entire RoRo logistics landscape.
A Closer Look at Zeebrugge's Terminals
Zeebrugge's port layout is unique, consisting of three parts: the Outer Port built into the sea for fast-moving cargo, the Inner Port focusing mainly on cars and food logistics, and the Port of Bruges, serving more traditional cargo operations.
One fascinating aspect is the village of Zeebrugge itself, located right in the middle of the industrial zone, a rare coexistence born from historical port expansions around the original town. Unlike some regions where entire communities are relocated, in Zeebrugge the port was constructed around the existing village, highlighting the complex relationship between industrial development and local heritage.
Walking through ICO’s vast Southern Terminal, I truly grasped the scale of modern RoRo operations, hectares of perfectly aligned vehicles stretching beyond sight.
During the visit, we explored:
- ICO Terminals: The Northern Inlet Terminal, originally handling steel and potatoes, now serves up to 35,000 cars; and the Southern Inlet Terminal, a 175-hectare mega-terminal, still expanding to 210 hectares with a focus on multi-storey automated storage.
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen Canada Terminal: Specializing in high and heavy cargo, including construction and agricultural machinery, with innovative heavy-lift cranes and cobblestone yards to support heavy tracked vehicles.
Adding to the port's complexity, Zeebrugge temporarily hosts massive tunnel elements destined for Antwerp's Ring Road expansion. These 80-meter-long structures are carefully stored before being floated to their final location, a reminder of the port's strategic role in national infrastructure projects.
The future looks even brighter with major infrastructure upgrades like the expansion of the Connection Bridge and the replacement of the aging Visart Lock with a new, larger lock.
Innovations in Cargo Handling and Green Logistics
Zeebrugge is taking bold steps toward sustainability:
- Cold Ironing: Shore power is being developed to reduce vessel emissions while docked.
- Wind Energy: ICO operates 11 wind turbines, producing ten times the terminal's energy needs.
- EV Adaptation: Specialized storage zones and charging stations for electric vehicles are rapidly expanding.
- Heat Treatment Facilities: Instead of fumigating vehicles for invasive pests, Zeebrugge uses eco-friendly heat treatment processes, maintaining 56°C inside cars for pest control.
- Short Sea and Rail Integration: A dedicated freight-only road and strong rail links enable efficient movement to and from short-sea terminals and inland Europe.
Zeebrugge’s food logistics capacity was also highlighted with the Tropicana bottling facility, which processes orange juice from Brazil. The factory bottles up to 310 million liters annually under aseptic conditions, underscoring the port's role in supporting diverse types of cargo beyond vehicles.
The port’s handling strategies also respond to modern realities:
- Accordion Effect: When vessels carrying thousands of vehicles arrive within short intervals, yard capacity is stretched to its limits, demanding agile and efficient terminal operations.
Terminals that fail to implement dynamic yard management and predictive arrival models will face operational bottlenecks and lost throughput capacity, directly impacting profitability and competitiveness. - EV Risk Management: Managing EV shipments requires careful battery monitoring, specialized parking, and fire safety measures, reflecting new operational complexities. A recent incident involving a fire on a CLDN vessel underscored the importance of these protocols.
As EV adoption accelerates worldwide, terminals that fail to implement specialized handling procedures for electric vehicles risk not only safety incidents but also reputational damage and operational shutdowns. Preparing for the EV logistics shift is no longer optional, it’s an essential part of future-proofing RoRo operations. - Green Pressure: Environmental regulations and customer expectations are pushing ports like Zeebrugge to accelerate investments in green technologies, with direct competition among European ports to demonstrate leadership.
Ports that cannot prove their green credentials risk losing business from OEMs and shipping lines prioritizing sustainable partners, making sustainability a key factor for future growth and survival.
Reflections: What Zeebrugge Tells Us About the Future of RoRo Logistics
The visit to Zeebrugge clearly showcased where the industry is heading:
- A significant shift toward green energy and sustainable port operations.
- Increased reliance on intelligent software systems to manage complex cargo flows.
- The need for real-time digital integration across supply chains.
- Growing specialization in handling electric vehicles.
Throughout the visit, one thought kept returning to me: the future of RoRo logistics depends not just on infrastructure, but on smarter systems to orchestrate it all.
While Zeebrugge deploys a range of technologies suited to its scale and operations, the challenges and trends I observed there are universal across the RoRo industry. They mirror exactly the kinds of operational needs that Logisoft’s Terminal Operating System (TOS) is purpose-built to address.
How Logisoft Supports the RoRo Evolution
Attending RoRo Congress 2025 and visiting Zeebrugge's terminals highlighted exactly why solutions like Logisoft Terminal Operating System (TOS) are so critical for the future of RoRo logistics.
Logisoft’s TOS delivers:
- Real-time cargo tracking and updates.
- Integrated inventory and yard management, including dynamic handling of peak congestion events.
- Automated financial and invoicing modules.
- Seamless integration with OEMs, carriers, 3PLs, and customs.
- Specialized modules for EV handling, battery monitoring, and technical inspection workflows.
- Remote operations through mobile apps, enhancing operational flexibility.
- Full Vehicle Processing and Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) management, including damage detection, quality control, and scheduled activities.
As terminals move toward smarter, greener, and more connected operations, Logisoft TOS stands ready to support these transformations with robust, RoRo-specialized capabilities.
Final Reflections and the Road Ahead
Zeebrugge’s vision for the future of RoRo logistics is ambitious and inspiring. From green initiatives to technological modernization, the path forward is clear.
By aligning technology with these evolving operational needs, terminals can meet the demands of tomorrow, and with solutions like Logisoft TOS, they can do it with confidence.
Ready to future-proof your RoRo operations? ⬆️ Discover Logisoft TOS today or book a demo to learn more.
