Port of Antwerp-Bruges and PSA Antwerp approved the renewal of the quayside and terminal at Europa Terminal.
The works, which will take about nine years and be carried out in three phases, will ensure that the latest generation of container ships can continue to call at Antwerp, Belgium, according to a statement.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges and PSA Antwerp are expected to invest in the renewal of the Europa Terminal to increase its container capacity and upgrade port infrastructure.
Cameron Thorpe, CEO of PSA Belgium, commented, “At PSA Belgium, we are delighted that construction works on the quayside are underway. 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 TEU annually.”
The terminal was officially inaugurated in 1990 as the first tidal container terminal in Antwerp. With the renewal, which will cost €335 million (US$328 million), the Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to strengthen its competitive position while taking steps toward becoming a sustainable port.
The depth of vessels that can moor at the 1,200-metre quayside will be increased from 13.5 metres to 16 metres, a project that will be implemented in three phases. In addition, the two partners announced they will create additional temporary moorings for inland navigation.
The works will be spread over about nine years and have been plotted based on expected traffic in the coming years, according to a statement.
The port said the renovation of the terminal will also contribute to the transition towards a climate-neutral port. Electrification and other optimisations will reduce CO2 emissions per container by 50% and wind turbines will increase the share of renewable energy, according to the announcement.
Furthermore, the new quayside will be given a new orientation to ensure sufficient distance between passing ships and the terminal, and to protect the nearby Galgenschoor nature reserve.
“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. We are, however, aware of the impact of our activities on the surrounding area and local residents. That is why we are committed to reducing mooring emissions, among other things. With a new efficient and sustainable terminal, we are building the port infrastructure of the future,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Following a tender process, the contract for the works was concluded today (7 October) with a Temporary Company of four contractors, namely Artes-Roegiers, Artes-Depret, Herbosch-Kiere and Boskalis, all contractors with extensive experience in large-scale hydraulic engineering projects.
