Five giant container cranes have arrived at the Europa Terminal on the right bank of the Port of Antwerp, marking a key step in modernising the busy container hub.
The new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes are part of a major upgrade under the terminal’s longer-term expansion programme. Standing more than 50 metres tall and taller than the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, they will be among the largest ever ordered for Antwerp and are designed to handle the world’s largest container ships.
Designed for ultra-large ships
Once assembled, each crane will reach a height of about 52 metres and have an outreach of 71.8 metres, enabling operators to work with vessels up to 26 containers wide. They are expected to significantly boost the terminal’s capacity as container ships continue to grow in size.
According to VRT NWS, the machines also incorporate features aimed at improving workplace safety by separating operators from ground-level traffic and reducing energy use and emissions through efficient electric drives.
Broader modernisation
The crane delivery is a milestone for what has been dubbed Project Emerald, a collaboration between terminal operator PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges authority to create a more efficient, sustainable and competitive container facility. The wider project includes the construction of a new quay wall capable of accommodating ultra-large ships, while infrastructure and environmental measures are being integrated into future works.
After arrival, the cranes will be assembled and tested before becoming operational. PSA Antwerp has indicated they could be in service by this summer, strengthening the port’s role as a key European gateway for global trade.
#FlandersNewsService | Cranes at the Port of Antwerp © PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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