The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has announced that the first phase of the Europa Terminal’s renewal project is officially underway.
To facilitate the ongoing construction while continuing to accommodate vessels, a new barge quay has been constructed, providing temporary mooring space for inland navigation.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges and PSA Antwerp are jointly investing in the upgrade of the Europa Terminal’s quayside and automated yard.
The project will be carried out in three major phases, with each phase involving the upgrade of one-third of the new quayside while keeping the remaining section operational.
A temporary partnership consisting of four contractors – Artes-Roegiers, Artes-Depret, Herbosch-Kiere, and Boskalis – will be responsible for demolishing the existing quayside, installing temporary structures, and constructing the initial segment of the new 1.2-kilometre-long quayside, which will feature a 16-metre draught.
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“Thanks to the Europa Terminal being deepened from 13.5 to 16 metres, together with PSA Antwerp, we will be able to continue to receive the largest container ships,” said Annick De Ridder, Port Alderwoman of the City of Antwerp and Chair of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
“This new barge quay will provide additional mooring space for inland navigation during the extensive works. This project is essential to the competitiveness and sustainable growth of our port, the economic engine of Flanders.”
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According to the port authority, by dividing the renovation into three phases, the terminal can remain operational throughout the entire 10-year duration of the project, ensuring uninterrupted services for customers and allowing ships to continue docking.
Additionally, to facilitate smooth operations and encourage modal shift, a temporary barge quay with a length of 150 metres was recently completed.
Following rigorous testing, the authority said the quay is now fully operational and will accommodate barges until the completion of the renovation works.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges will oversee the operationality of the quay during this period.
Earlier this month, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges launched the ‘D-Hive drone-in-a-box’ network to enhance security in the port area.
The Antwerp port area is more than 120 square kilometres, and it will now be covered by the D-Hive network of six autonomous drones.