Eiffage wins in consortium the contract to modernise the Europa Terminal in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Port congestion worldwide is creating a need for greater capacity for the larger container ships and improvements to container handling areas. The Europa Terminal project aims to increase its capacity by one-third and facilitate its transition to a climate-neutral port.

This renovation project involves large-scale maritime works to create berthing for vessels up to 16 metres draught, increased from the current 13.5 metres. The existing quay wall will be demolished and replaced with a new wall of similar length (1,200 metres) but in a new orientation.

To accomplish this, temporary works will be carried out, including construction of a temporary retaining wall to allow demolition of the existing harbour wall and protect the works from the tides and from passing vessels. Temporary berthing will also be created to allow navigation to continue.

The project has been designed to help protect maritime flora and fauna. The new, repositioned quay wall will allow vessels to pass a suitable distance from the Galgenschoor nature reserve. In a final phase, the works also include the construction of an undersea barrier to protect this reserve.

Works started in September 2022, and will be carried out in three phases over nine years, allowing the terminal to remain operational and taking account of the expected maritime traffic over the next few years.