Zeebrugge strengthens its status as the North Sea’s leading “deep water port” with the successful docking of the Ever Greet. This ocean giant, 399.98 meters long and 58.80 meters wide, reached a draft of 16.3 meters upon arrival, a record depth that exceeded previous standards by 10 centimeters. The Ever Greet, loaded with 17,989 TEU after a voyage from Sri Lanka, unloaded 400 TEU at Zeebrugge, reducing its draft to 16 meters, and then continued to Antwerp Deurganckdock.
Navigation of such mega-vessels requires precision and coordination under the supervision of coastal pilots of the Maritime and Coastal Services Agency (MDK). Managing factors such as tidal windows and cross currents in the narrow Pass van Zand channel leading to the port of Zeebrugge requires skill, especially for a powerful ship like Ever Greet, which required two top-class coastal pilots.
Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) such as the Ever Greet, capable of carrying up to 20,160 TEU and a draft of 16.35 meters, represent the forefront of maritime logistics. Recent developments in Antwerp, where the maximum draft has been increased to accommodate such vessels, highlight the strategic preparation and collaborative efforts involving MDK, the Joint Maritime Authority and various industry stakeholders. This expansion supports seamless operations from shipping agents to towing services, strengthening the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a key hub for global trade.