PSA Antwerp has received five new mega ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at Europa Terminal, the largest ever ordered for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, as part of its Project Emerald modernisation programme.
Once installed, the cranes will stand 52 metres high with an outreach of 71.8 metres, enabling them to service vessels up to 26 containers across.
With dual-hoist lifting capacity of up to 112 tonnes, they are intended to increase berth productivity and improve turnaround times for the largest vessels calling at Antwerp.
PSA Antwerp states that the cranes are equipped with anti-sway systems, precision controls, remote diagnostics and integrated monitoring technology aimed at improving handling accuracy and maintenance planning.
Operators will work from redesigned cabins, with training supported through a virtual reality programme.
Elevated lashing platforms allow coning and deconing to be carried out above ground level, separating these activities from quay traffic and reducing operational risk.
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The cranes also incorporate electric drives, regenerative power systems and smart-grid compatibility to reduce energy consumption during vessel handling.
Their arrival marks a significant step in the wider redevelopment of Europa Terminal, which includes quay wall deepening, reorientation and extension works undertaken by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to accommodate larger vessels.
Edward Tah, Managing Director of PSA Belgium, said: “Project Emerald will increase the capacity for Europa Terminal by 800,000 TEUs per annum, and significantly enhance the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of our operations, for the benefit of our customers.”
Johan Klaps, Chairman of Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Antwerp Port Alderman, added: “The arrival of these new cranes is a concrete example of how we are preparing the Europa Terminal for the future.
“This is essential to keep our port competitive and to be able to continue to receive the largest container ships smoothly and safely in the future. Work on the new quay wall is in full swing and we are preparing for the start of the first operations at the renovated quay section.”
Following safe offloading, the cranes will undergo assembly, testing and safety validation, with entry into service expected in the second half of 2026.
Building on the enhanced capacity at Europa Terminal, PSA Antwerp, together with Danser Group and Hutchison Ports Europe Intermodal (HPEI), recently signed a cooperation agreement to launch a new barge service linking the Noordzee Terminal in Antwerp with the Willebroek inland terminal.
For more information:
PSA Antwerp – https://www.psa-antwerp.be/en
