Port of Antwerp-Bruges has recently achieved a significant milestone in the expansion of the Southern Canal Dock, with the completion of a crucial phase. Through the efforts of Belgian dredging company DEME, nearly 1 million m³ of dredged material was moved, resulting in the creation of an additional 600 metres of quayside space for ICO’s RoRo ships.
The initial phase of the project involved dredging and disposing of sand and clay soil, effectively preparing the terminal for future operations. DEME excavated the upper soil layer along the quayside, while the lower layer was dredged to a depth of -8.5 mTAW, aligning it with existing moorings and enabling two additional RoRo ships to dock. Subsequent efforts will focus on leveling the port site itself and outfitting the terminal with essential facilities.
The project underscores a strategic utilization of available space within the port, leveraging existing infrastructure and incorporating innovative solutions like vertical stacking of vehicles in parking garages. By optimizing operations and reducing CO2 emissions through improved logistics, the expansion of the Southern Canal Dock represents a significant step forward for Port of Antwerp-Bruges and its partners.