Antwerp to expand port facilities over next 15 years

THE Port of Antwerp is investing EUR1.6 billion in new infrastructure over the next 15 years to expand the port and remain competitive with the neighbouring ports of Rotterdam and Hamburg.

Antwerp intends to develop two new port facilities in Verrebroek and Saeftinghe. The latter will be developed into a new multi-dock container terminal capable of handling post-panamax vessels, while Verrebroek will also be expanded into a post-panamax dock. The throughput capacities of these new facilities is not yet known, however, they will offer multiple quays, some longer than 3,000 metres, so they ought to be able to handle significant cargo volumes, reports UK's Transport Intelligence.

The construction of these new terminals will require the building of new lock facilities on the River Scheldt to give the estuarine port a 24-hour unloading capability. Antwerp will also extend its road network to support the new harbours.

The River Scheldt will also need to be dredged through the purchase of a new dredging vessel to accommodate large ships.
(Source:www.schednet.com)