[ENG] PSA Antwerp's Europa Terminal Renovation Project: Increasing Capacity and Sustainability in the Logistics Industry

Hello and welcome to my blog. Today, I'd like to discuss the renovation of the PSA Antwerp Europa Terminal and the innovations taking place in the logistics industry. As a student-blogger who is passionate about logistics, I find these topics particularly interesting. In this post, I will provide an overview of the renovation project, the most important facts and innovations, and what it means for the future of the port.

I would like to start of by referring to my post I made a while back on my LinkedIn here. I spoke about my passion for logistics and highlighted the innovations happening in Zeebruges and Antwerp. In particular, I discussed the use of technologies like Robotic Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things to optimize supply chain processes and deliver goods more efficiently. I also emphasized the importance of being adaptable and innovative in the logistics industry, and gave the example of the PSA Antwerp Europa Terminal renovation project, which aims to increase efficiency and reduce emissions by 2030. (Image below of the Europa Terminal in Antwerp, Belgium before renovations)

PSA Belgium - Europa Terminal - © PSA

Most important facts about this renovation:

• The Port of Antwerp-Bruges and PSA Antwerp have started the renovation of the Europa Terminal's quay wall and terminal officially on 7 October 2022.
• The renovation works will take about nine years and will be carried out in three phases to keep the terminal operational.
• The project aims to increase terminal capacity by 40% and reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions for all its terminals by 2050.
• The total cost of the renovation is expected to be around 835 million euros.
• 500 million euros by PSA
• 335 million euros by The Port of Antwerp-Bruges
• The renovation of the Europa Terminal will help the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to strengthen its competitive position and take steps towards building a sustainable port.
• The depth of ships that can dock at the 1200-meter-long quay wall will be increased from 13.5 meters to 16 meters.
• The renovation will also contribute to the transition to a carbon-neutral port by reducing the CO2 emissions per container by 50% and increasing the share of renewable energy.
• The new orientation of the quay wall will guarantee sufficient distance between passing ships and the terminal and protect the nearby nature reserve Galgenschoor. The works will also include the construction of an underwater dam to protect the nature reserve and prevent subsidence.
• The works have been awarded to a Temporary Company of four contractors, namely Artes-Roegiers, Artes-Depret, Herbosch-Kiere, and Boskalis, all with extensive experience in large-scale water construction projects.
• The project will enable PSA Antwerp to increase capacity by over 700K TEUs per year and reduce its CO2 footprint by more than 50% while improving safety and service levels.
• The renovation of the Europa Terminal is a strategic project for the future of the port that requires technical complexity and operational expertise.

Most important innovations with this renovation:

• PSA Antwerp signed an agreement with Stadsbader/DSG to upgrade the civil and electrical infrastructure for the first phase of works at the Europa Terminal.
• The works include preparing the yard for new automatic stacking cranes, quay cranes, and new truck flows. The civil and electrical works by Stadsbader/DSG will prepare the yard for end-load ASCs, which will handle all yard operation and truck handling. With the introduction of end-load ASCs, containers can be stacked with higher density of up to six high, instead of just three high.
• The first ASCs ready for testing by February 2024.

Old vs. New

Old; 

• Quay wall: 1,180 meters long
• Depth: 13.5 meters
• Ship Capacity: 11,000 TEUs
• Terminal Yearly Capacity: +- 1,800,000 TEUs

New;

• Quay wall: 1,200 meters long
• Depth: 16.5 meters
• Ship Capacity: 25,000 TEUs
• Terminal Yearly Capacity: +40% (+- 720,000 TEUs)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the renovation of the PSA Antwerp Europa Terminal is a strategic project for the future of the port that requires technical complexity and operational expertise. With the introduction of new technologies and equipment, such as end-load ASCs and electric quay cranes, the terminal will be able to handle larger vessels and reduce its carbon footprint significantly. As the logistics industry continues to evolve, it's important to stay adaptable and innovative to meet the changing demands of the market. I hope you found this post informative and I welcome your thoughts and opinions on this topic. 

Please feel free to leave a comment below or suggest other topics you'd like me to cover in future posts.