New quay cranes arrive at DP World Antwerp Gateway

The new cranes can handle up to 26 container rows on a ship, one more than is on the latest generation vessels, and join 10 cranes on the terminal on Deurganck dock’s east side. The cranes are the latest product of an expansion and modernization plan for the terminal started in 2019 with support from the European Commission. Two further cranes are set to join the terminal next year.

The four-to-six-hour offloading of each crane will be the central part of a week-long operation.

Dirk Van den Bosch, CEO, DP World Antwerp Gateway said: “DP World strongly believes in Antwerp's position as a global trade hub and gateway to Europe. With our worldwide network and ever-expanding logistics services, our aim is to strengthen the competitiveness of the port and make it the engine of the Belgian economy.

“These cranes will enable us to handle our projected volume growth in the years ahead. 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.”

DP World

Three cranes arrive at Antwerp on a ship

Jef Lambregts, Expansion Project Manager, DP World Antwerp Gateway said: “Since the start of our investment program in 2019, a new operational building and two automatic stacker crane modules have been delivered and become part of the improved operations at the terminal. In addition to the three new cranes, we will be commissioning three new automatic modules this year. Next year, we plan to add two more quay cranes to take us to a total of 15 STS (ship-to-shore) cranes.

“We are constantly investing in the most advanced equipment to increase our capacity for enhanced international trade flows.”

“Unloading these giants is a precarious job. All conditions such as weather, visibility, wind and water level must be perfect,” adds Jef Lambregts. “The whole operation takes about a week. After this, we will connect the cranes to the high voltage grid adjust the movements and install the container registration system to be able to commission the cranes by the summer.”

Annick De Ridder, Vice-Mayor of the City of Antwerp and President of the board of directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges “Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the economic engine of Flanders. That engine keeps running, thanks to the substantial investments made by companies such as DP World. These three gigantic container cranes at the Antwerp Gateway terminal nicely illustrate the growth of the terminal. At the same time, these container cranes, large as they are, also fit nicely with the world port that we are!”

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