The port is preparing to expand container handling facilities in accordance with growth projections for 2021.
Overall cargo volumes at the Port of Antwerp were up 5.9 percent in the first quarter of 2015, according to a statement from the port. The port reported a 9.5 percent increase in container throughput.
Port of Antwerp attributed the strong early year growth primarily to the 2M Alliance of Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Co. choosing the port for many of its Asia-Europe and transatlantic services. During the next few months, the port will transfer MSC’s facilities from its Delwaide dock on the right bank of the Scheldt to the Deurganck dock on the left bank. The Delwaide dock has an annual capacity of 11 million TEUs.
According to the port’s projections, however, it will need to further increase its container handling capacity by 2021 in order to keep up with carrier demand. Antwerp’s Port Authority said it has already begun making preparations for a new, large tidal dock with matching terminal capacity in the Saeftinghe Development Area on the left bank.
The Saeftinghe Development Area covers more than 1,000 hectares of land and is expected to enter operation in phases. The first phase of the Saeftinghe dock, which will include 1,400 meters of quay and a minimum capacity of 5.1 million TEUs, is expected to be operational by 2021 at a cost of approximately 660 million euros. The second phase, which will span more than 4 kilometers, has not yet been scheduled.
“The Port Authority aims for controlled expansion of capacity,” said Chief Commercial Officer Luc Arnouts. “This means in practice that we have to keep a very close watch on the market, and not simply throw more capacity onto the market if there is no demand for it. We were already prepared to offer the Saeftinghe Development Area on the market in 2008, but in view of the timing – right on the edge of the worldwide economic crisis – we put the project on hold.”
The Port Authority announced Monday it will open exclusive negotiations with Energy Recovery Systems of Saudi Arabia for the southern and northern sides of the concession for the vacated Delwaide dock. ERS proposes to use the site to set up a new production unit for “green” ammonia and urea, representing an investment of 3.7 billion euros and around 900 additional jobs, according to the port.
Port of Antwerp Q1 volumes up 5.9%
