Cruise port

Zeebrugge: Cruise Terminal and Berths

ABC Terminal, possible berths at Zweedse Kaai, and Zeebrugge’s village, railway station and coastal district — distinct locations within the port area.

Zeebrugge is located in Belgium on the North Sea, combining a major port with a historic fishing village and seaside resort. The ABC Terminal (Artes-Bruges-Cruise) on Rederskaai is the passenger facility for guests of cruise ships.

ABC Terminal and Zweedse Kaai

The ABC Terminal is located at Rederskaai 60. The ABC Tower was operational in June 2018; its first two floors were set up for cruise passengers, with check-in, baggage handling, waiting areas and border control. The cruise berth at Zweedse Kaai is separate from the terminal.

Village, beach and railway stations

Zeebrugge-Dorp lies south to southeast of the terminal; Zeebrugge-Dorp station is southwest of the village. The beach district is farther west along the coast; Zeebrugge-Strand station is a separate stop. The two stations serve different districts and are not interchangeable disembarkation points.

Local stops around the port

Zeebrugge Kerk is a local tram and bus stop at the boundary between the Old Fish Market site and the village. Zeesluis is near Zweedse Kaai; the Swedish Quay viewpoint is nearby. The Old Fishing Harbour is free to visit and illustrates the local fishing history alongside the modern seaport.

Port history and fishing

The idea of reconnecting Brugge directly to the sea emerged in the 19th century. King Leopold II opened the port in 1907; the name Zeebrugge means “Brugge by the sea.” During the First World War, the port served as a strategic German submarine base. Zeebrugge was occupied by German troops during both world wars. After 1945, the port underwent major development.

The April 1918 raid

On the night of 22–23 April 1918, the Royal Navy attacked the German-occupied port. The operation aimed to restrict its use as a base for submarines and destroyers. Three decommissioned cruisers were intended to serve as blockships at the entrance to the Zeebrugge Canal; at the same time, a landing force was to attack the armed harbor mole. Australian Navy volunteers also took part.

Brugge and the coastal town

The cruise destination of Brugge lies about 20 kilometers inland from the cruise terminal; Zeebrugge itself is on the coast.

Zeebrugge: Port and Surroundings

Schematic map of Zeebrugge showing the ABC Cruise Terminal, Zeebrugge-Dorp, the Dorp and Strand railway stations, Zeebrugge Kerk stop and cruise berths at Zweedse Kaai; Brussels Airport is listed separately. — ABC Cruise Terminal, railway stations and cruise berths; the berth depends on the ship. Graphic: Max-TD / OpenAI — AI-localized schematic map