PSA Antwerp, Kuenz and ABB sign deal for 14 new automatic stacking cranes

On Wednesday 14 December 2022, Belgian terminal operator PSA Antwerp (PSAA) has signed an agreement with Austrian crane builder Kuenz and global technology leader in electrification and automation ABB to order 14 new automated stacking cranes (ASCs) for PSAA’s Europa Terminal. When fully completed, the Europa Terminal will have 48 new ASCs to operate its upgraded yard. The new state-of-the-art ASCs will help PSAA expand the terminal’s capacity by 40 percent and reach its sustainability goals by reducing the total carbon emissions per handled container at the terminal by more than 50 percent. This is PSA’s first order of end-load ASCs Group-wide.

With the introduction of the end-load ASCs, all yard operation and truck handling will be done by ASCs. This new way of handling means a significant capacity increase – in the future, containers will be able to be stacked with higher density of up to six high, instead of just three high.

The new ASCs will also help PSAA reach its ambitious sustainability goals. The 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.

Kuenz will design and produce the ASCs together with systems integration specialist ABB. Parts of the first six cranes will be delivered in early 2024 and assembled on site. Testing is expected to start in the third quarter of 2024. Kuenz and its partners will start the process of building the next four modules (eight cranes) in the third quarter of 2024, following a similar timeline as the first batch.

Europa Terminal upgrade

The new ASCs are part of the grand overhaul of the Europa Terminal. This refurbishment is necessary for the Port of Antwerp and PSAA to increase their handling capacity for the next generation of vessels (Ultra Large Container Vessels – ULCVs), enabling the port to maintain its position as Europe’s largest export port. Europa Terminal, the port’s first tidal terminal outside the locks, 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 13.5 meters deep, only able to accommodate ships up to 11,000 TEUs in size.

Works to upgrade the quay wall and the terminal itself will take nine years. 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 (PSAA’s other terminals, Noordzee Terminal and the joint-venture MPET, are already equipped to handle UCLVs). Next to building a new quay wall, the project will also increase Europa Terminal’s capacity by more than 700,000 TEUs per year – an increase of over 40%.

Jurgen De Wachter, General Manager of PSA Antwerp, is very pleased with the order of the new ASCs, “The new ASC’s will allow us to significantly expand Europa Terminal’s capacity by stacking the containers higher and closer together while bringing us a step closer to achieving our ambitious sustainability goals.”

CEO of PSA Belgium Cameron Thorpe adds: “PSA Belgium set ground-breaking requirements in terms of safety, ​ performance and sustainability for this transformation. We selected Kuenz and ABB because both companies are leaders in their respective fields and have convinced us they are best equipped to meet these high standards and we look forward to working together."

Günter Bischof, CEO at Kuenz, reports: “We are proud that PSA has opted for Kuenz to supply the ASCs for their Europa Terminal Project. This will bring our innovative, but proven crane design to the Port of Antwerp and enlarge our footprint in the region.”

“We are proud to deliver our latest ASC automation to enable the transformation of PSA’s Europa Terminal, with the common goal to make terminal operations safer, greener and more productive while meeting the demands of growing container traffic and vessel capacity," said Björn Henriksson, Local Division Manager Sweden, ABB Marine & Ports.

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 Kuenz

Kuenz is the number 1 suppler of intermodal rail-mounted gantry cranes in the western hemisphere. ​ Over the past two decades, the company has also become a significant player in the market of automated stacking cranes, and recently added rubber-typed gantry cranes to its portfolio. The Austrian-based crane builder is an innovation leader in the industry and is primarily serving intermodal terminal operators and ports in Europe, North America and selected other parts of the world.

About ABB

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com