The Port of Antwerp is planning to deepen the quay wall at PSA Antwerp’s Europa Terminal, allowing the terminal to accommodate larger container vessels.
In dialogue with operator PSA Antwerp, the Port of Antwerp will demolish the current quay wall to be replaced with a new one.
Carried out in three phases, the Europa Terminal expansion project will boost its vessel maximum draught from 13.5m to approximately 16m at inlet.
The current key wall, a length of nearly 1200m, will be completely demolished. PSA Antwerp will be responsible for the renovation of the layout of the adjacent front quay, including flooring and installation of container cranes. The quay wall will be able to accommodate shoreside power.
When works are completed, the Europa Terminal can accommodate two megamax ships simultaneously, as ports around the world expand operations to manage mega-ships.
The Europa Terminal expansion is the latest of growth at the Port of Antwerp, following the port breaking its depth record in February and the landmark announcement of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges merger to come into effect 2022.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO, Port of Antwerp, said, “Containers are the most important segment at our port and a growth segment in the world, our yearly figures in 2020 prove this once again.
“This deepening is in line with our ambition to continue to grow as a port in a sustainable way and will contribute towards maintaining our position as a world port.”
A large part of the terminal will remain in operation at all times, while other areas of capacity will be diverted to PSA’s Noordzee Terminal.
Jan Van Mossevelde, MD, PSA Antwerp, added, “Thanks to this deepening, the Europa Terminal will join the league of mega-vessel ready container terminals. This major investment meets the needs of the major shipping alliances.”
Works are expected to begin at the end of 2021.
