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2025-04-08

MSC Mina
MSC Mina - copyright CSP

New depth record in Zeebrugge: MSC Mina with 16.40 meters draft

The port of Zeebrugge reached a new milestone early this morning with the arrival of the MSC Mina. This impressive container giant, measuring 400 meters in length and 61 meters in width, docked at the CSP Zeebrugge container terminal with a draft of 16.40 meters below sea level. This sets a new record for the port, surpassing the previous record of 16.30 meters, established in July 2024 by the Ever Greet.

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The MSC Mina is the first call within MSC’s new LION service, a direct connection from the Far East to Zeebrugge and subsequently Antwerp. Early this morning, the vessel arrived from Colombo (Sri Lanka), bringing its impressive 23,656 TEU capacity to the Port of Zeebrugge — a true giant of the seas.

Anchor points

  • New depth record in the port of Zeebrugge with the arrival of MSC Mina.
  • With a draft of 16.40 meters, CSP Zeebrugge welcomes one of the world's largest container ships (23,656 TEU)
  • Port of Antwerp-Bruges reaffirms its status as a full-fledged deep-sea port for mega vessels

The arrival of the MSC Mina further underlines Zeebrugge’s status as a full-fledged deep-sea port. The exceptional draft not only demonstrates the port’s outstanding infrastructure but also reflects the strong cooperation across all links in the nautical chain.

This achievement further strengthens the position of Port of Antwerp-Bruges as the gateway to Europe for the world’s largest container vessels. MSC alone is planning weekly calls in Zeebrugge with vessels drawing more than 16 meters of water.

Marc Beerlandt - CEO MSC BELGIUM: “

Improving the draught record in Zeebrugge with the MSC Mina confirms that we can also accommodate our largest vessels here. This allows MSC to call at Zeebrugge on a weekly basis, strengthening our position in the global market. We are proud of this achievement and thank the pilotage service, Maritime Services and Coast (MDK), and Port of Antwerp-Bruges for making this possible in close collaboration with CSP.

”
Rob Smeets - COO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “

Recording this new depth milestone makes me incredibly proud. It’s the result of close cooperation between all partners in the nautical chain – from pilots to shipping companies and terminal operators. I want to sincerely thank all of them for their dedication. Together, we’re showing what Zeebrugge is capable of.

”
Nancy Van Osselaer – Commercial Manager, CSP Zeebrugge: “

I am incredibly proud of the exceptional vessel draft achieved at the Port of Antwerp Bruges, particularly at CSP Zeebrugge. This accomplishment is a testament to our team's dedication and the port's continuous investment in infrastructure and operational excellence. Complimentary to the well-established Antwerp platform, this advancement in Zeebrugge reinforces our position as a leading maritime hub, committed to efficiency and reliability for our partners and clients worldwide.

”
Nathalie Balcaen – Administrator-General of the Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK): “

These records prove that, thanks to the expertise of our pilots and traffic controllers, we can support shipping lines and ports in handling the world’s largest container vessels to and from the Flemish ports. We can only safely break these records through close cooperation with our various internal and external partners. Together, safely, and forward.

”

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For press inquiries, contact:

press@portofantwerpbruges.com
+32 492 15 41 39

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About the Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an overall throughput of 278 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. Johan Klaps is Vice-Mayor of the City of Antwerp and President of the Board of Directors, and the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President of the Board of Directors. 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 Antwerpen
+32 492 15 41 39
press@portofantwerpbruges.com
www.portofantwerpbruges.com