THE port of Antwerp has started construction of the largest lock in the world at the head of the Deurganck dock on the left bank of the River Scheldt as it leaves the Netherlands and enters Antwerp in Belgium.
THE port of Antwerp has started construction of the largest lock in the world at the head of the Deurganck dock on the left bank of the River Scheldt as it leaves the Netherlands and enters Antwerp in Belgium.
The newly developed Deurganck dock will as a result be able to accommodate the larger ships that are now becoming common, a statement from port authorities said. The new lock represents an estimated investment of EUR340 million (US$460.47 million) and is due to open in 2016.
“At the moment the only access from the sea to the dock complex on the left bank is via the Kallo lock,” said Flemish Minister of Transport Hilde Crevits at the ceremony to mark the official start of construction.
“The new investment offers a response not only to the growing amount of shipping traffic on the left bank but also the greater size of ships. Furthermore, a second lock will afford greater security of operation for what is the second largest port in Europe, helping it to maintain its competitive position.”
Port authority chairman Marc Van Peel said: “The second lock is of great importance for access to the left bank, and thus for further expansion of the port. Our port has played in the champions’ league of European ports for some time now, and it will be able to maintain this leading position as long as it has the essential infrastructure such as efficient locks that are able to handle the very largest ships now being used in international trade. “Our sea access has already been considerably improved thanks to the deepening of the Scheldt, and now with the second lock we will be able to further develop our port on the left bank,” Mr Van Peel said.
Sea News