Zeebrugge Auto-Gate

Zeebrugge Auto-Gate

Self-service entry and exit at Zeebrugge freight terminal

Following the successful launch of the Auto-gate at Europoort in 2024 we launched the Auto-gate in Zeebrugge in May 2025. This innovative solution, building upon our Terminal Operating System (TOS) improvements, is set to transform freight gate processes for operational excellence.

The Auto-gate system comprises:

1. New electronic signage at the freight gate to provide clear and easy to follow instructions for the drivers.
2. A camera portal that will analyse all vehicles entering and exiting the terminal, for both road and rail traffic, providing ANPR (automatic number plate recognition), vehicle measurement and a full 360-degreee capture of the vehicle and unit condition.
3. A self-service kiosk providing a multi-language user interface for drivers to gate-in and out of the terminal automatically, or to check in for a sailing.
4. An automated barrier system for swift entry and exit of the terminal.

This comprehensive approach will provide a smooth, efficient, and secure entry and exit process, reducing waiting times and optimising traffic flow within our terminals.

These innovations bring some changes to the way drivers enter and exit the terminal and the level of information required before arrival. The key process changes are listed below, and you can find a step-by-step guide and other relevant documents at the bottom of the page.

Freight drivers are a crucial part of this process and to support the drivers with this change please find below a series of short instructional videos which demonstrate how to use the Auto-gate.

Key process changes

Freight Drivers

• Should remain in their vehicle and follow the instructions on the kiosk screen.

• A valid booking is mandatory to drop off a unit for a sailing, to check in for a sailing or to drop off a unit for storage.
  Bookings cannot be created or changed at the port; units must travel as booked. Ensure customs documents, and
  GMR where required, have been submitted prior to arrival at the port.
• Pre-booking is not required to drop off a unit for the rail/train - a booking will be automatically created by the
  Auto-gate. Ensure the driver brings the CMR, and DGN where applicable.

• To collect an empty unit the driver must enter the company code and pin/release code – to register for empty
  collections please contact: fastgatebooking@poferries.com

Process Leaflet - PDF Downloads

• English
• Dutch
• Polish
• French

Useful information for Drivers

Process overview