Seaports: on-shore power for docked vessels

Ships in port typically run on oil to power essential onboard systems, producing emissions such as CO₂, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and fine particulate matter. As a result, port communities suffer from degraded air quality and increased noise pollution. Transport electrification offers a sustainable alternative that allows vessels to draw electricity directly from the shore and eliminate emissions while docked.

Equans is helping Belgium meet its European Green Deal targets by driving the electrification of the transport sector, which accounts for nearly a quarter of national CO₂ emissions. As part of this effort, Equans is collaborating with Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Traton Group, to accelerate the electrification of freight transport. 

One key project is the development of Milence’s largest European charging station in the Port of Antwerp, equipped with 10 CCS (Combined Charging System) chargers and a recent addition of an MCS (Megawatt Charging System) charger. This MCS charger can fully charge an electric truck in just 30 minutes, supporting up to 22 trucks simultaneously.

In the Port of Antwerp, Equans also installs, operates, and maintains 24 dockside connection points on behalf of the city. This infrastructure enables inland waterway vessels and river cruise ships to connect to the shoreside electricity grid, eliminating the need for diesel generators. The solution reduces CO₂ emissions, contributes to the ecological transition of ports, and decreases noise pollution. Similar projects are underway in Ghent and Zeebrugge, further advancing the sustainability of Belgian ports.

Equans long-standing expertise, innovative technologies and the commitment of 10,000 employees reflect our pivotal role in Belgium's decarbonization strategy and demonstrate that large-scale progress toward sustainable mobility is achievable.

Rail & urban transit: powering tracks and depots

Rail and urban transit are evolving as clean, efficient power reaches critical points along the network. Equans is driving this evolution through its extensive expertise and solutions designed to fit each project’s unique needs.

Catenary wires and third-rail systems supply continuous electricity to trains and metro systems. Equans designs and implements these overhead lines and rail contacts to guarantee consistent energy flow while adhering to strict safety protocols. On routes lacking wiring, battery-hybrid trains recharge on electrified tracks and operate autonomously elsewhere, cutting emissions without disrupting schedules.

For urban transit, we upgrade trams and trolleybuses with regenerative energy systems that reclaim braking power and return it to the grid. This technology reduces electricity demand and reinforces network stability. Equans adapts existing infrastructure to incorporate such systems, enabling cities to maintain smoother, greener fleets.

At depots and along rail corridors, Equans installs charging stations, power distribution units and intelligent monitoring solutions. This setup ensures efficient train recharging during off-hours while integrating infrastructure with local grids and renewable energy sources. The result means a much more resilient approach to transport electrification.

Heavy road transport: electric freight hubs

Freight lorries play a key role in daily deliveries of essential goods but are also major contributors to transport emissions. Electrification offers a powerful opportunity to transform roads, reducing both sound pollution and carbon output—an initiative we proudly drive forward.

To tackle the challenge of decarbonizing mobility, Equans is partnering with Aéroports de Paris to deploy, operate, and maintain Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (IRVE) at major French airports, including Paris-Orly, Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, and Paris-Le Bourget business airport. These charging stations are strategically placed across public areas, such as VTC, taxis, and airport customers, as well as on private sites reserved for administrative staff, management, ADP employees, and service vehicles in areas like fire stations and customs. To date, 500 charging points have already been deployed, with Equans teams overseeing the entire value chain. The kiosks deliver 3.7 kWh under normal load and can provide up to 150 kWh for taxis and other users with higher energy demands.

Expanding this expertise, Equans is also working with Milence to create a vast network of over 1,700 high-power charging points across Europe by 2027. In Antwerp - Belgium, a newly launched high-capacity charging hub is powering the electric freight sector. Ten chargers, each capable of delivering 400 kW, can recharge up to 20 vehicles, reaching 80% capacity in under 30 minutes—reducing emissions and maintaining fleet productivity.

Customer Benefits - Our solutions maximize the efficiency of electric freight lorries, reducing downtime and facilitating fast recharging for uninterrupted operations. As our network grows, it fortifies logistics operations, boosting both their resilience and environmental stewardship.