“These two projects are very much in line with our policy to make optimum use of the space in the existing port area”, explains Port Authority CEO Hans Smits. The Amazonehaven will be widened from 255 to 305 metres so that it will be able to accommodate the increasingly large container vessels which dock at the ECT terminal. When widened, the very largest container ships will have problem-free access to the Amazonehaven, whatever the circumstances. The Port Authority will be investing approximately EUR 175 million in this project. To facilitate the widening of the Amazonehaven and in connection with the establishment of the Electrabel power plant, EMO has given up 23 hectare of the existing terminal.

At the same time, EMO foresees an increase in throughput as a result of the arrival of Electrabel and the use of biomass as an additional source of fuel by coal-fired power plants. EMO is therefore taking over an 11.5 hectare site on the Hartelstrook in the Mississippihaven, bordering the Steinweg terminal. EMO also has an option on an adjacent 12 hectare site on the Hartelstrook. If EMO also puts that land to use, the company’s site will be returned to its former size. The new EMO terminal will have a rail link.The effects of this new EMO facility on noise levels, air quality (fine dust and NOx) and the natural world have been studied and are within the legal limits. The results of the research are being translated into the design of the new terminal. EMO will take measures to restrict the burden on the environment to a minimum. The licensing procedures for the establishment of EMO on the Hartelstrook are to start shortly.