Extra capacity needed

The Deurganck container dock handled more than 1.5 million TEU, an increase of 89 per cent compared with 2006. “The main engine of growth is general cargo, with a sharp rise in container volume yet again,” says Marc Van Peel, Chairman of the Port of Antwerp. “Forecasts indicate that additional container handling capacity will be needed in the near future, so in 2014 we have to be ready to build new container dock. We have already started to improve the sea access by deepening the River Scheldt. Dredging work should start in June this year and within two years the deepening will be finished.”