News
Temporary lighter quay at Europa Terminal for smooth operation during works
Start of the first phase of deepening the quay wall!
The first phase of the modernisation of the Europa Terminal has started. To keep services running smoothly during the extensive works and to continue encouraging modal shift, a new lighter quay has been built. As of now, this quay is operational and it temporarily creates additional berths for inland navigation. The renewal of the quay wall and terminal, which will take about ten years, will ensure that the latest generation of container ships can continue to approach Antwerp.
First phase has started
To keep playing at the top level of world ports and offer customers extra container capacity and a high-performance infrastructure, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and PSA Antwerp are investing in the renovation of the quay wall and automated yard of the Europa Terminal. The works will take place in three major phases, with one-third of the new quay wall being completed each time, while the other part remains operational.
The preparatory works and tests have been completed so that now the first phase of the extensive works can start. In this phase, the Temporary Company of four contractors, Artes-Roegiers, Artes-Depret, Herbosch-Kiere and Boskalis, will demolish the existing quay wall, install temporary structures for further implementation and start construction of the first section of the 1,200-metre-long new quay wall, which will have a depth of 16 metres.
Smooth service provision
Thanks to the three-phase works, the terminal will remain operational for the entire period of the 10-year works and ships will be able to continue berthing. To ensure a smooth service to customers and to continue encouraging modal shift, a temporary lightering quay will provide additional mooring for inland navigation. Construction of this new 35-metre quay was completed at the beginning of April and, after extensive testing, it is now ready to accommodate barges until the end of the works.
Annick De Ridder, port alderman of the City of Antwerp and chairman of the board of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “Thanks to the deepening of the Europa Terminal from 13.5 to 16 metres, together with PSA Antwerp, we will be able to continue receiving the largest container ships. This new lighther quay will provide inland navigation with additional berths during the extensive works. This project is essential for the competitiveness and sustainable growth of our port, the economic engine of Flanders.”
Cameron Thorpe, CEO PSA Belgium: “It is essential that we maintain a high level of operational delivery to our customers during the investments to modernise the Europa Terminal. We are confident that in cooperation with the port and our customers, this temporary quay will ensure that we can continue to serve the barges visiting PSA Antwerp.”