The Port of Antwerp is set for a major expansion with the approval of the Western Access to Waaslandhaven project by the Flemish government, which will enable it to handle an additional 7 million containers a year.
The Flemish Government has approved the construction of the Western Access to Waaslandhaven (WOW), as part of the larger project known as Extra Container Handling Capacity Antwerp (ECA). This initiative aims to accommodate the handling of an additional 7 million containers annually within the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a crucial hub for the supply and export activities in Flanders.
The infrastructure improvements are designed to enhance connectivity for various transportation modes, including rail, road, freight, and cycling, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The decision marks a significant step towards enhancing the port’s integration into the broader transportation network.
WOW is a key component of the ECA project, focusing on enhancing line infrastructure for freight and commuter traffic. This includes the construction of a new road within the port area to facilitate smoother access for cars and trucks to the main road network.
Additionally, existing rail access will be upgraded to accommodate current and future container terminals and companies.
Efforts to optimise traffic flow and intersection management are central to the WOW project, explains the government. By improving access and efficiency, the project aims to enhance the overall logistics process and ensure smoother and safer traffic flows within the port area.
The initiative also aims to protect surrounding village centres from heavy traffic and enhance the buffer between the port and the surrounding polder area.
The project decision prioritises environmental considerations, with initiatives such as transforming designated areas into nature reserves and constructing buffer dikes to shield the polders from the port. Furthermore, extensive landscaping efforts, including tree planting and the development of recreational trails, aim to create a visually appealing and ecologically valuable buffer zone.