Collaboration and efficiency
The new ACC will be a recognisable orientation point along the river Scheldt. This eight-storey building, covering an area of 8,000 m² and 46 metres tall, is being built between Zandvliet Lock and Berendrecht Lock. It will replace the current coordination centre from the 70s, which no longer meets today's comfort requirements. With a flexible and modular structure that can respond to changes in the future, it will be a central hub where teams such as shipping guidance, lock operators, pilotage and boatmen work closely together.
The communal workplace covering 1,000 m² will optimise the communication and coordination within the nautical chain, essential for safe and smooth shipping traffic. The figures underline its importance: in 2023, the port registered 274,132 ship movements, averaging 761 a day or 31 an hour. The ACC plays a pivotal role in managing this flow.
In addition to operational functions, the ACC will also accommodate training facilities, recreation areas and a visitor centre, as an external hub of the experience centre Havenwereld. Professional visitors will be immersed in the nautical chain with a guided tour, culminating in a glass gangway overlooking the operational space and a panoramic terrace with views of the port.
Sustainability as a starting point
The Antwerp Coordination Center sets a new standard in sustainability. The building is entirely energy neutral thanks to the use of ground energy, a sustainable system that takes heat and cold from the earth, and supplementary energy from solar panels. Thanks to efficient energy savings and its innovative use of technology the ACC requires no fossil fuels and has zero CO2 emissions.
Also, plenty of attention has been paid to circular and considered use of materials, ensuring that resources are used more sustainably and can be recycled. The building provides an optimal indoor climate with excellent air quality, thermal and acoustic comfort, and uses green roofs, wadis and systems for rainwater buffering and recycling. With 10,000 m² of ecological outdoor space, the ACC promotes biodiversity and minimises the environmental impact.
Operational at the end of 2026
The ACC project has been commissioned by Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK), and is being realised by KAAN Architecten, SVR-ARCHITECTS, contractor Van Roey, Van Roey Services and engineering firms Sweco/Blasco.
Construction of the ACC is planned in different phases. The centre will be operational at the end of 2026, after which the present building will be demolished and the surrounding area redesigned.
