Ecluse Scheldt Tunnel
Sustainable steam transport for a climate-neutral future
The Ecluse project, a public-private partnership in the Antwerp Waasland port area, is driving the transition to sustainable energy by delivering process steam to industrial companies. Soon, steam will be transported via a new tunnel under the Scheldt River to multinational Evonik on the right bank. This project will reduce CO2 emissions by 100,000 tons annually by utilizing steam from waste instead of natural gas.
Witteveen+Bos is playing a key role in this groundbreaking project. Our team provides technical and functional designs, manages the environmental permits, and oversees construction.
Clarity and climate neutrality in the port of Antwerp
Ecluse transports steam from a waste-to-energy plant in Doel to surrounding industrial companies. This sustainable energy network aims to position the Port of Antwerp as a leader in circularity and climate neutrality. Each year, one million tons of waste are converted into energy, currently supplying five companies with steam.
With the network’s expansion to Evonik, this company will achieve a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. The construction of the tunnel, a technical masterpiece, will be a crucial link for future connections to other companies on the right bank.
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Innovative tunnel design
Microtunneling
The 3.8-meter diameter tunnel will be built using advanced microtunneling techniques beneath the Scheldt. This includes the construction of deep shafts with a 15-meter diameter and a depth of 18 meters. The shafts are designed with fiber-reinforced diaphragm walls and an exceptionally reinforced underwater concrete floor, designed to meet the challenging construction conditions in the Antwerp port area.
Witteveen+Bos Belgium provides expertise in tunnel infrastructure, technical installations, and project management to successfully deliver this sustainable project in the second half of 2026.
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