With the renewal, Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to strengthen its competitive position while taking steps towards becoming a sustainable port.
The works will ensure that the latest generation of container ships can continue to call at Antwerp, with the depth of vessels that can moor at the 1,200m quayside increasing from 13.5m to 16m.
The renovations will also result in an efficient and sustainable terminal that contributes to the transition towards a climate-neutral port. Electrification and other optimisations will reduce CO2 emissions per container by 50%, while wind turbines will increase the share of renewable energy.
Following a tender process, the contract for the works was awarded to four contractors: Artes-Roegiers, Artes-Depret, Herbosch-Kiere and Boskalis. All four, which described the project as “technically complex”, have extensive experience in large-scale hydraulic engineering projects.
The project will take about nine years and be carried out in three phases to minimise operational impact.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said: "With the modernisation of the Europa Terminal we are underlining our ambitions as a container port. As a world-class port, it is essential that we continue to play at the highest level and are able to accommodate the biggest ships.
“With a new efficient and sustainable terminal, we are building the port infrastructure of the future."
Cameron Thorpe, CEO of PSA Belgium, added: "We are delighted that construction works on the quayside are under way. This will allow us to start the transformation process of Europa Terminal with a highly sustainable investment while increasing capacity by more than 700,000 TEUs annually. This reflects our confidence in the future of Port of Antwerp-Bruges and underlines the PSA Group's commitment in Belgium."
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