Bollard capacity at Noordzee Terminal increased from 150 to 2x250 tonnes

Not only draught and safety are important at a terminal, you cannot lose sight of infrastructure and ​ efficient use of space on the quay. Port of Antwerp-Bruges increased the bollard capacity of four bollards at PSA Antwerp’s ​ Noordzee Terminal from 150 tonnes to seven new 250 tonne bollards to minimise lost space between two vessels. Dynamic mooring analysis also showed that the increasingly larger ships mooring there had a risk of overloading the old bollards. The new bollards were commissioned at the end of December.

From 5,000 to 24,000 TEU

About 26 years ago, the Noordzee Terminal was commissioned. Most ships then had the capacity of about 5,000 TEU. In the meantime, the quay wall was deepened by three meters to accommodate the ever-increasing draft of the approaching ships. To make the best use of the quay length, all kinds of technical interventions were carried out over the years. The new bollards are the final finishing touch to allow multiple 24,000 TEU ships to dock in the most efficient way possible, with as little lost space, from now on.

From 150 tonnes to 2x 250 tonnes

To calculate the bollard capacity, several factors come into play: the sailing speed of passing vessels, their water displacement, wind, tide, type of mooring ropes, and so on. The existing quay structure is an anchored diaphragm wall fitted with a quay wall head at the top. Cutouts were made in the quay wall head at four locations into which steel frames were successively placed. The new bollards were mounted on these frames. The frames themselves were chemically anchored and recessed into the completed cutouts. Moreover, as part of the overall stability of the quay wall and higher bollard loads, the frames were anchored into the subsoil by 50 meter long tensioned anchors.

Extensive study work by engineering, architecture and consultancy firm Sweco and review of study and execution by independent technical expert SECO Belgium preceded this doubling of the bollards campaign, testing the limits of what was feasible. Together with PSA Antwerp, we determined the locations and preconditions. Hye NV from Burcht carried out the works. An excellent collaboration between the various partners.

Contact

PSA ANTWERP | PSA ZEEBRUGGE | PSA BREAKBULK | MPET | ATS

Kim Vandenbroucke - Corporate communication manager

Kim.vandenbroucke@globalpsa.com

M: +32 467 07 54 53

 

Port of Antwerp-Bruges

​+32 492 15 41 39

press@portofantwerpbruges.com

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk and for the throughput of vehicles. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
 
The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear - to become the world's first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers and other partners, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society. 

The port sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are operated by the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law with the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges as its shareholders. The port employs 1,800 people. Vice-Mayor of Antwerp Annick De Ridder is President of the Board of Directors, the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the port’s day-to-day management. 

www.portofantwerpbruges.com

The telephone number +32 492 15 41 39 is only for press inquiries. For other questions you can mail to communicatie@portofantwerpbruges.com

Contact

Havenhuis Zaha Hadidplein 1 2030 Antwerp Belgium

+32 492 15 41 39

press@portofantwerpbruges.com

www.portofantwerpbruges.com