Antwerp invests in holding berths to assist barge traffic

Vlaamse Waterweg
Vlaamse Waterweg – Construction activity continues in the port of Antwerp.

Barge operators in the Belgian port of Antwerp can make use of a new service quay in Kallo, on the left bank of the Scheldt, and can also expect many improvements in the year ahead.

The quay includes a waste collection park, a drinking water point and a long-term car park.

The Kallo service quay is the third such service point for barges in the port, following those at Lillo (opened in 2013) and at quay 75 (opened in 2011).

The park at quay 1550 replaces the old service park at 1103.

The move to the new location has also made it possible to provide additional holding berths for “blue cone” barges, which carry dangerous goods.

The new quay is equipped with a sustainable building, which has ground heat exchangers and a grass roof.

The construction work was carried out between October 2016 and July 2017, with the Antwerp Port Authority investing EUR2.4 million (US$2.8 million) in the new facility.

The Groenendijk holding berths have been renovated, and additional holding berths have been created at Reigersbos, Noordlandbrug and Ketelplaat.

At Reigersbos, work will start in the second quarter of 2018 on the EUR1.9 million construction of 18 berths for barges.

Meanwhile, the Flemish government will start work next year on construction of new holding berths at Ketelplaat (at the Boudewijn and Van Cauwelaert lock complexes).

And inland waterway operator Vlaamse Waterweg will build a EUR16 million holding dock at the Noordland bridge, where blue cone barges can also moor.


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