Port of Antwerp to create additional space for container handling

MSC shipping company to transfer its activities in Antwerp to the Deurganck dock; Antwerp Port Authority is preparing to build a new, large tidal dock with matching terminal capacity

With growth of 5.9% the port of Antwerp has got off to a strong start in 2015. In terms of container handling Antwerp achieved growth of 9.5% in the first three months of this year, which is not last due to the 2M alliance of MSC and Maersk who opted for Antwerp last year. The MSC shipping company is due to shift its operations in Antwerp from one bank of the Scheldt to the other at the beginning of 2016. During the next few months preparations will be finalised for transfering the activities of the MSC shipping company – currently operating in the Delwaide dock on the right bank area of the port – to the Deurganck dock on the left bank of the Scheldt. This dock with its annual capacity of 11 million TEU will enable MSC to further develop its activities. However, according to the latest forecasts Antwerp will need to have additional container handling capacity as of 2020-2021. The Port Authority is therefore making preparations for a new, large tidal dock with matching terminal capacity on the left bank.

The port of Antwerp has a development area of more than 1,000 hectares available on the left bank which is expected to enter operation in phases. The Port Authority plans for the first phase of the Saeftinghe dock to be operational as of 2021, with 1,400 m of quay and a minimum capacity of 5.1 million TEU. The costs for this first phase of the dock are estimated at EUR 660 million. It is not yet clear when the second phase of the Saeftinghe dock, which ultimately will be more than 4 km long, will enter operation. In addition to construction of the first phase of the Saeftinghe dock the project also includes the development of non-maritime zones and backquay terminal areas.

www.portofantwerp.com

Quelle: LogEastics
Portal: www.logistik-express.com