Renewal of Europa Terminal at Port of Antwerp-Bruges officially underway

In order to remain a top-class world port, the port must be able to offer its customers a well-functioning infrastructure and additional container capacity. Port of Antwerp-Bruges and PSA Antwerp are therefore investing in the renewal of the Europa Terminal. It was officially inaugurated in 1990 as the first tidal container terminal in Antwerp. With the renewal, which will cost 335 million euros, Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to strengthen its competitive position while taking steps towards becoming a sustainable port.

Works carried out in three phases to keep the terminal operational

The depth of vessels that can moor at the 1,200-metre quayside will be increased from 13.5 metres to 16 metres. Because ships must be able to continue to moor during the extensive works and in order to minimise operational impact, we are tackling the quayside in three major phases. In addition, we will create additional temporary moorings for inland navigation, so we can guarantee that our customers will receive a smooth service. The works will be spread over about 9 years and have been carefully plotted based on expected traffic in the coming years.

Attention to climate and the environment

The renovation of the terminal will also contribute to the transition towards a climate-neutral port. Electrification and other optimisations will reduce CO2 emissions per container by 50% and wind turbines will increase the share of renewable energy.

The new quayside will be given a new orientation to ensure sufficient distance between passing ships and the terminal, and to protect the nearby Galgenschoor nature reserve. The works include in the final phase the construction of an underwater dam to provide additional protection for the nature reserve and ensure it does not subside.

During the entire process, all parties involved will take the necessary measures to minimise disruption, in close consultation with the surrounding area.

Following a tender process, the contract for the works was concluded today with a Temporary Company of four contractors, namely Artes-Roegiers, Artes-Depret, Herbosch-Kiere and Boskalis, all contractors with extensive experience in large-scale hydraulic engineering projects.