PSA Antwerp has marked a transformative moment in its Project Emerald modernisation programme with the arrival of five new mega ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at the Europa Terminal. These are the largest STS cranes ever ordered for the Port of Antwerp, specifically engineered to service the next generation of ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).
The arrival represents a major leap in Phase 1 of the joint initiative between PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, aimed at future-proofing one of Europe’s most critical maritime gateways.
Engineering for the “Mega-Ship” Era
Standing 52 metres high with a massive outreach of 71.8 metres, these cranes are capable of reaching across vessels up to 26 containers wide. Once operational, they are expected to increase the Europa Terminal’s annual capacity by 800,000 TEUs.
Operational Powerhouse:
- Lifting Capacity: A dual-hoist system capable of lifting up to 112 tonnes, significantly boosting berth productivity.
- Precision Technology: Equipped with advanced anti-sway systems, remote diagnostics, and integrated digital monitoring for high-precision cargo handling.
- Safety First: Integrated lashing platforms allow “coning and deconing” to occur on elevated levels, safely separating ground personnel from heavy terminal traffic.
A Sustainable and High-Tech Port Ecosystem
Aligned with PSA’s global sustainability agenda, the new infrastructure moves away from traditional power models toward a “smart-grid” compatible system.
- Regenerative Power: The cranes feature systems that capture energy during container lowering to feed back into the terminal’s power grid.
- Electric Drives: 100% electric drives eliminate direct emissions during vessel handling, supporting the port’s broader decarbonisation goals.
- Workforce Excellence: Operators will train in a new Virtual Reality (VR) environment, allowing for high-level skills development in a risk-free digital twin of the terminal.
Preparing for a 2026 Launch
The modernization of Europa Terminal is a complex undertaking involving the deepening and reorienting of the quay wall to accommodate deeper drafts. Edward Tah, Managing Director of PSA Belgium, emphasized that this milestone strengthens Antwerp’s role as a strategic nodal point in PSA’s global network.
Johan Klaps, Chairman of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, noted that the work is “in full swing” as the port prepares for the first operations at the renovated quay section. Following a rigorous period of assembly and safety testing, the cranes are scheduled to enter full commercial service in the second half of 2026.
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