Europa terminal capacity boost

Operator of the facility, PSA Antwerp, has signed an agreement with Stadsbader/ DSG for the first phase works, spanning civil and electrical infrastructure, designed to prepare the yard for the introduction of new automatic stacking cranes (ASCs).

Works will also be undertaken to accommodate new ship-to- shore cranes as well as facilitate improved trucking flows.

The project represents a key part of the major overhaul of this facility by PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. It will also see a new, deeper, quay wall and generally greater automation and enhanced sustainability.

A contract has already been agreed with Austrian crane manufacturer Kuenz and the electrification and automation specialist ABB, for an order for 14 new ASCs. After delivery, the Europa Terminal will operate 48 units in its upgraded yard.

With the introduction of the end-load ASCs, all yard operations and truck handling will be done by ASCs. This will significantly increase capacity, which will largely be achieved by containers being stacked six high compared to the existing arrangement of just three high. It will also have the benefit of reducing total carbon emissions at the terminal by more than 50 per cent with each container handled.

Kuenz is designing and producing the ASCs, with ABB taking care of all matters relating to systems integration, for what represents PSA’s first order for end-load ASCs across its portfolio.

Parts for the first six cranes are scheduled for delivery in early 2024 and will be assembled on site, with testing then expected to start Q3 2024. The construction process of building the next eight munits will commence in Q3 2024.