PSA Antwerp selects Stadsbader/DSG to upgrade Europa Terminal’s civil and electrical infrastructure phase 1

On Thursday 15 December 2022, the terminal operator PSA Antwerp and the temporary partnership Stadsbader/DSG signed an agreement to upgrade the civil and electrical infrastructure for the first phase of the works at PSA Antwerp’s Europa Terminal in the Antwerp harbor. The works, that include preparing the yard for new automatic stacking cranes (ASCs), quay cranes and new truck flows, will start on 9 January 2023 and are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025.

These works are part of PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ grand overhaul of the Europa Terminal. This includes a new deeper quay wall, an expansion of its capacity by 40 percent and modernization of its infrastructure to make it more automatized and sustainable.

PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges are responsible for different parts of the refurbishment project that will be executed simultaneously in the coming years. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ contractors will build the new quay wall and rear crane track, while PSA Antwerp will upgrade everything on the quay and the yard. PSA Antwerp has now selected Stadsbader/DSG to perform the civil and electrical works for this project.

With the introduction of end-load ASCs, all yard operation and truck handling will be done by ASCs instead of straddle carriers. This new way of handling means a significant capacity increase as, in the future, containers will be able to be stacked with higher density of up to six high, instead of just three high. In order to do so, Stadsbader/DSG will conduct the civil and electrical works to prepare the yard for the ASCs, adjust the truck flows and rebuild the quay. The first ASCs will be ready for testing by February 2024.

The refurbished Europa Terminal will also help PSA Antwerp reach its ambitious sustainability goals. The PSA group aims to reduce its carbon emissions with 50 percent by 2030, with 2019 as a baseline, and have net-zero emissions for all its terminals by 2050. ​ One way in which it plans to achieve these objectives is by investing in new electricity powered equipment such as electric ASCs and quay cranes, resulting in a significant reduction of its carbon footprint. Stadsbader/DSG will prepare the terminal to install this new electrical equipment.

Jurgen De Wachter, the General Manager of PSA Antwerp is enthusiastic about the start of the works: “Because our operations must be able to continue during the extensive works and in order to minimize operational impact, the works will be executed in three major phases. Part of our quay and yard will at different times not be available to us because of the works, but our terminal will remain operational at all times. We have also made extra space available at our Noordzee terminal. We selected Stadsbader/DSG as they have demonstrated during the extensive tender procedure that they can successfully deliver on time and within budget. We are looking forward to ​ cooperating with them to make this transformation a great success.”

Dominique Valcke, CEO of Stadsbader Group, says they “are honored with the confidence that PSA Antwerp has put in them and are proud to contribute to the terminals of the future”.

Bob Zegers, CEO of Jeco Energies / DSG, confirms and adds: “we are convinced that we can make a difference with our intelligent e-power solutions”.

Europa Terminal upgrade

The civil and electrical infrastructure works are part of PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ grand overhaul of the Europa Terminal. This refurbishment is necessary to increase the ports handling capacity for the next generation of vessels (Ultra Large Container Vessels – ULCVs), enabling it to maintain its position as Europe’s largest export port. Europa Terminal was the port’s first tidal terminal outside the locks and is now 32 years old. This means it is in need of an upgrade to meet the new industry norms and handle the next generation vessels. The current quay wall is 1,180 meters long and only 13.5 meters deep, meaning it can currently accommodate ships up to 11,000 TEUs in size.

Works to upgrade the quay wall and the terminal itself will take nine years and require an investment of EUR 835 million, including over EUR 500 million by PSA itself. The new quay wall will be 1,200 meters long and 16.5 meters deep, enabling Europa Terminal to handle ships of up to 25,000 TEUs (PSA Antwerp already has that capacity at its Noordzee Terminal and at the joint-venture terminal, MPET).

Next to building a new quay wall, the project will also increase the terminal’s capacity by more than 700,000 TEUs per year, an increase of over 40%, through the introduction of new yard equipment that will also be electrified, so that the total carbon footprint will reduce by over 50%, thereby achieving the company’s CO2 reduction goals by 2030. ​ ​

About PSA International

PSA International (PSA) is a leading port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders. With flagship operations in Singapore and Antwerp, PSA’s global network encompasses 160 locations in 42 countries around the world. The group’s portfolio comprises over 60 deepsea, rail and inland terminals, as well as affiliated businesses in supply chain management, logistics, marine and digital services. Drawing on the deep expertise and experience from a diverse global team, PSA actively collaborates with its customers and partners to deliver world-class port services alongside, develop innovative cargo solutions and co-create an Internet of Logistics. As the partner of choice in the global supply chain, PSA is “The World's Port of Call”. Visit us at www.globalpsa.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook (@globalpsa).

About PSA Antwerp

PSA Antwerp is the second flagship within the PSA Group. PSA Antwerp operates three container terminals in the Port of Antwerp: Noordzee and Europa Terminals, and the MSC PSA European Terminal (MPET), a joint-venture with TIL. We are also active in general cargo handling on the PSA Breakbulk Terminal. PSA Antwerp has a talented and experienced workforce of around 3,000 employees.

About Stadsbader Group

Stadsbader Group is a multidisciplinary construction group with various technical divisions and production sites spread across Belgium and the north of France. Its core business is in the fields of infrastructure, civil works, construction and techniques, for both private entrepreneurs and public authorities. Thanks to a thorough strength, far-reaching flexibility and quality as a priority, Stadsbader acquired a leading position in the Belgian contractor market. Special attention for safety, sustainability and innovation makes Stadsbader Group a reliable partner for projects with complex requirements. Today, the construction group has more than 1.700 employees who are active on 125 construction sites in Belgium and neighbouring countries every day. This has resulted in a rich portfolio with numerous references in the most diverse sectors of the corporate world and participations in the most important national projects within these fields.

About DSG

DSG is part of the Jeco Energies Group, specializing in Industrial Energy and involved in complex electrical power projects worldwide, still our main geographical range is in Belgium and the Netherlands. Needless to say, industrial electrical installations with a focus on intelligent low, medium, and high-voltage appliances are quite a niche market. From installation, measurements, technical diagnoses and assembly to inspections, maintenance and repairs; our company engages in a wide variety of activities within this branch. This, combined with our 24/7 intervention service, enables our 150 employees to help any customer in need of electrical energy, regardless of the timing or complexity.