The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, together with the Flemish Department of Mobility and Public Works and the Left Bank Development Corporation (Maatschappij Linkerscheldeoever), is implementing the Extra Container Capacity Antwerp (ECA) project, which will increase the port’s container capacity by 7 million TEU. The central element of the initiative will be the creation of a new container cluster on the Left Bank of the Scheldt, designed to ensure further growth in cargo flows and strengthen Antwerp’s position among the leading European ports.
The key object of the project will be the construction of the Second Tidal Dock for container ships next to the existing Dörgank dock. The new container cluster will also include the Three Docks logistics zone, a new container terminal on the North Dock site, a container train marshalling yard, the relocation of power lines, and the development of the De Bieshoek industrial and logistics zone. In addition, the project envisages the creation of two new natural areas in the areas of Doelpolder South and Prosperpolder South.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges notes that the expansion of infrastructure will be implemented taking into account environmental and social factors. The new terminals will be equipped with modern technologies to reduce noise levels and completely eliminate local emissions, and most of the cargo will be transported by rail and inland waterways. To protect nearby settlements, a green buffer zone with an earthen rampart will be created, which will reduce the impact of port activities. Public discussion of the project will take place from June 12 to August 10, 2026, after which the Flemish authorities will consider the possibility of final approval of the initiative.