New quay cranes for Antwerp Gateway

The cranes, which can handle up to a width of 26 container rows, were constructed by crane builder ZPMC and join the existing network of ten cranes on the eastern side of the Deurganck dock.

Dirk Van den Bosch, chief executive at DP World Antwerp Gateway said Antwerp was a global trade hub and gateway to Europe. “These cranes will enable us to handle our projected volume growth in the years ahead,” he said.

“With each new milestone we reach, we consolidate our place as one of Europe’s top ports and strengthen our position as a driver of positive change and economic growth.”

Since the investment programme began in 2019, DP World has added a new operational building and two automatic stacker crane modules. In addition to this latest acquisition, three new automatic modules will be commissioned this year followed by two more quay cranes in 2024.

Rolling one crane from the ship to the rail tracks on the dock side is done via a special footbridge and takes approximately four to six hours. “Unloading these giants is a precarious job. All conditions such as weather, visibility, wind and water level must be perfect,” said Jef Lambregts, Expansion Project Manager, DP World Antwerp Gateway. “The whole operation takes about a week.”

The crane park is capable of handling the largest container ships in the world, which can transport up to 24,000 teu.