Port of Antwerp-Bruges confirms Europa Terminal renewal

Port of Antwerp-Bruges and PSA Antwerp have given the green light for the renewal of the quayside and terminal at Europa Terminal in order to ensure the port can welcome the latest generation of container ships.

Construction is expected to take around nine years, to be carried out in three phases in order to manage any potential disruption, with the aim of creating “an efficient and sustainable terminal that contributes to the transition towards a climate-neutral port”.

“In order to remain a top-class world port, the port must be able to offer its customers a well-functioning infrastructure and additional container capacity,” the Port stated. “Port of Antwerp-Bruges and PSA Antwerp are therefore investing in the renewal of the Europa Terminal. It was officially inaugurated in 1990 as the first tidal container terminal in Antwerp. With the renewal, which will cost 335 million euros, Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to strengthen its competitive position while taking steps towards becoming a sustainable port.”

The depth of vessel that will be able to moor at the 1,200m quayside will rise from 13.5m to 16m. Additional temporary moorings for inland navigation will be available to ensure smooth service continues during the works, the company said.

“The renovation of the terminal will also contribute to the transition towards a climate-neutral port,” the Port added. “Electrification and other optimisations will reduce CO2 emissions per container by 50 per cent and wind turbines will increase the share of renewable energy.”

The final phase apparently includes construction of an underwater dam to provide additional protection for the nearby Galgenschoor nature reserve.

Following a tender process, four contractors were chosen: Artes-Roegiers, Artes-Depret, Herbosch-Kiere and Boskalis.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges, commented: “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.”

Jurgen De Wachter, general manager at PSA Antwerp Container Business, added: “The development of the Europa Terminal will future-proof our operations and service levels, by reducing our carbon footprint by more than half, improving the safety of our people and meeting our customers’ increasing demand for mega-ship capacity.”