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The Port of Antwerp-Bruges marked a significant milestone with the completion of the first phase of dredging works at the Southern Canal Dock. This development is pivotal in the ongoing expansion of the ICO RoRo terminal, providing 600 meters of new quayside for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships. Belgian dredging company DEME executed the project, removing just under 1 million cubic meters of dredged material.
The project’s completion represents a critical step in enhancing the port’s capacity and efficiency. DEME’s task involved excavating both the upper soil layer and the lower layer to a depth of -8.5 mTAW, aligning the new terminal’s depth with existing moorings. Consequently, the terminal can now accommodate two additional RoRo ships simultaneously.
But that’s not all. The second phase of the project will focus on leveling excess soil on the port site itself, preparing it for further construction. ICO plans to enhance the RoRo terminal by adding parking lanes, garages for vehicles, and inspection facilities. The port is also repurposing the excavated land to level other areas within the port, including the lorry car park along Emmanuel De Cloedtweg.
Efficiency and sustainability are at the core of this development. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, alongside DEME and ICO, is maximizing the use of existing port infrastructure, such as the quayside, dock, railway, and road networks. By stacking vehicles in multi-story parking garages, ICO is optimizing vertical space usage. This innovative approach not only increases capacity but also reduces the distance vehicles need to travel within the terminal, which in turn decreases CO2 emissions.
The enhancements extend beyond the quay. Landscaping an additional 32 acres of the terminal will further shorten the distance between parking garages and the internal railway. This strategic move will streamline operations, making the terminal more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Dirk De fauw, vice chairman of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges Board of Directors, emphasized the local and international benefits of the project. “The development of the Southern Canal Dock strengthens our position as one of the most important European gateways. This is good news both internationally and locally as the dredged sand and clay soil will be used both for the further construction of the terminal itself, as well as for the lorry car park a little further down the road.”
Rob Smeets, COO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, highlighted the strategic use of space: “This project is a textbook example of port expansion: making smart use of existing space and infrastructure. The development of the site – and the reduction in distance to the internal railway that comes with it – provides a boost in modal shift.”
Alain Guillemyn from ICO noted the environmental and operational advantages: “Thanks to our new quay, not only do we reduce driving distances and reduce our carbon footprint, but we also increase our capacity for ships, allowing ICO to further position itself as a major player. In addition, we increase safety by better spreading ship traffic. This is an important step forward toward a sustainable and efficient future for us as a company and as part of the port.”
With these advancements, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to solidify its role as a crucial logistics hub in Europe, embracing innovative solutions to enhance capacity, efficiency, and sustainability.
