Modernisation and sustainable transformation of Antwerp’s Europa Terminal
Modernisation and sustainable transformation of Antwerp’s Europa Terminal
The Europa Terminal in the Port of Antwerp is undergoing one of the largest modernisation projects in its history. PSA Belgium and Port of Antwerp-Bruges launched a major renovation in 2021 that will run for at least nine years: Project Emerald. The aim? A future-proof terminal with more capacity, higher efficiency and a much smaller environmental footprint.
Witteveen+Bos supports this project as permitting expert and process partner.
From pioneer to upgraded tidal container terminal
The Europa Terminal opened in 1990 as the first tidal container terminal before the locks. Vessels immediately saved 4 to 6 hours. Today, 35 years later, the site needs a thorough upgrade to keep up with global container traffic growth.
New quay wall. Much larger vessels. 40 % more capacity.
The upgrade includes a new, deeper quay wall:
- 1,200 metres long
- 17.5 metres deep
This will allow the terminal to handle ships of up to 25,000 TEU (instead of today’s 11,000 TEU). Total capacity will increase by more than 700,000 TEU per year, a 40 % rise.
Its location makes the operation even more challenging: the terminal sits at the narrowest point of the Scheldt. That’s why the works are split into three phases, keeping two-thirds of the terminal operational throughout.
Sustainable and efficient terminal
Sustainability is a major focus of the renovation. A selection of the measures:
- Shore power by 2026: annual savings of 10,000 tonnes of CO₂
- New quay cranes: faster handling and improved safety
- Full electrification: green energy from additional wind turbines and solar panels
- New access roads and logistics flow: water-permeable, sustainable design and better accessibility
- Underwater dam: protection of the Galgenschoor nature reserve
Our role: permitting and process facilitation
Witteveen+Bos was appointed to manage the project’s complex permitting procedures. Its proximity to both urban and protected natural areas required a comprehensive and carefully compiled dossier.
Our contribution included:
- Urban planning: permit applications for full electrification (new pavements, automated stacking cranes, buildings, land use, …)
- Environmental permitting: adapting the existing environmental permit for new installations such as distribution pumps, emergency generators, transformers and cooling units
- Process facilitation: a smooth and transparent process for all stakeholders
- Advice and stakeholder management: alignment between all parties and support to the client during every project phase
The result: a broadly supported, robust permitting dossier that enables the modernisation.
Why this project matters
With Project Emerald, PSA Antwerp N.V. reinforces its ambition to continue innovating and investing in sustainable, future-ready logistics. The modernisation of the Europa Terminal is a strategic step towards a green and resilient port prepared for the world’s largest vessels.
And Witteveen+Bos is proud to contribute to that future.
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