Ghent locks in on inland waterways

The port company said the New Lock Terneuzen will improve access to the ports of Ghent and Terneuzen and reduce waiting times for inland navigation, which in turn will help reduce emissions and improve air quality as the vessels will have shorter waiting times before passing through.

In addition, by increasing the total capacity of the lock complex, Ghent Port Company says the corridor possibilities in the direction of France will also improve.

The new lock will be roughly the same size as the upcoming Panama Canal, measuring 427m in length, 55m wide and with a depth of 16.44m and will be built inside the current lock complex at Terneuzen.

Ghent’s estimated cost for the construction of the lock is €920m, with the cost for its 30-year maintenance estimated at €75m. It’s due for completion in 2021.

The Netherlands and Flanders will now jointly apply for European TEN-T subsidies from the European Commission.

Ghent is known for its environmental stewardship and its commitment to making the supply chain greener. It is currently studying the residual and secondary flows of heat and CO2 through the port.

In 2014, it was one of four Belgian port authorities – Antwerp, Ghent, Ostend and Zeebrugge in Flanders and two Dutch seaports – Terneuzen and Vlissingen in Zeeland, to join forces to promote sustainable development.

A learning network was established under the “Duurzame Zeehavens” (Sustainable Seaports) project for discussion between the project partners, with the aim to provide a wealth of information for key stakeholders.