DP WORLD ANTWERP GATEWAY STARTS EXPANSION OF TERMINALS CAPACITY BY 1 MILLION TEU

After securing the new refinancing package mid-2020, DP World Antwerp Gateway is now starting the expansion of the terminal's capacity by 1 million TEU by ordering 4 additional quay cranes and 17 Automatic Stacking Cranes (ASC) modules. The investment amounts to 200 million euros and will be implemented in phases by 2026.

1 million TEU extra capacity

By 2026, DP World Antwerp Gateway will invest 200 million euros to increase the capacity of the terminal at the Deurganckdok (quay 1700) by 1 million TEU (container units). This will take place in 6 phases, of which the first phase will be completed in June 2021 with the commissioning of the new operational building for dock workers and employees.

From phase 2 onwards, straddle carrier stacking zones will be converted into zones with Automatic Stacking Cranes and additional quay cranes will be put into use. In this way, the capacity will systematically increase every year as from 2022 until 2026.

Automation for extra capacity on the same surface

Antwerp Gateway is the only terminal in the port of Antwerp using this technology and currently employs 10 modules with Automated Stacking Cranes. The expansion plan comprises investments in 17 additional modules to convert and further automate the remaining traditional straddle carrier stacks. In the new ASC modules, the containers can be stacked higher (up to 6 high instead of 3 high) and closer (30 cm instead of 1m70) as opposed to a traditional straddle carrier stack, which means that an extra 1 million TEUs can be handled on the same surface.

The fully automated modules also operate on 100% green energy and are an example of sustainability within container terminal operations.

The expansion plan also includes the purchase of additional quay cranes, hybrid straddle carriers and the second rail crane to operate the rail tracks so that in the long term more containers can be transported in and out by rail. Finally digital applications will be further developed.

Dirk Van den Bosch, CEO DP World Antwerp Gateway:

“After the first year-half, which was characterized by a series of blank sailings due to Corona, we have seen volumes steadily increase since June at our Antwerp Gateway terminal. In October, the all-time record in the terminal's 15 year existence has been broken. These investments in the expansion of the terminal's capacity, through automation and maximization of the current available area, should enable us to continue our growth path in the coming years.”