International Car Operators (ICO) has started construction of the first fully automated multi-storage for vehicles in Europe in the port of Zeebrugge. The installation, which should be operational by the end of 2027, will have a capacity of more than 10,000 vehicles and should increase ICO’s annual throughput from 2.5 to 3 million vehicles. The system uses ten automatic cranes that store and retrieve vehicles without human intervention.
The strong focus on automation and digitalization is striking. Via VIN recognition, vehicles are automatically identified and integrated into the existing Terminal Operating System, so that all movements are monitored in real time. By storing more compactly and limiting internal movements, energy consumption and emissions are also significantly reduced. The required surface area is also more than ten times smaller than with traditional storage on open ground.
The realization is done in collaboration with various Belgian partners, including Stow Group, Ceratec, Alheembouw, BM Engineering Group and Stranger Architects & Engineers.
