[ Multiphase Development for Left-Bank Container Dock ]

All the signd are that the container trade in Antwerp will continue to
grow apace in the next two decades. Indeed container volumes are expe
cted to double in the next twenty years. The new North Sea Terminal sh
ould be able to absorb anticipated growth until the year 2000. However
, there is no suitable location left on the Right Bank of the Scheldt
for a third riverside container terminal. Only the left Bank still off
ers suitable sites. Here it must be remembered that the major fleet op
eratiors want their ships to be handled as quickly as possible. In oth
er words they prefer their ships not to pass through the locks. The ro
om for financial maneouvering is, however, limited. Moreover a solutio
n must be found in the medium term for a second maritime access to the
Waasland Dock Complex.
A concept was therefore required which ▲could absorb the growth of co
ntainer traffic in the term (until the year 2015), ▲ could cater to t
he largest container ships, ▲would provide handling facilities which
do not require ships to pass through locks, ▲comprised a solution for
the second maritime access to the Waasland Dock Complex.
The best response to all there demands is the construction of a tidal
dock. This is a dock which connects directly up to the river without t
he protection of a lock. Various sites were evaluated. The most promis
ing turned out to be an area near the village of Doel.
Once this dock has been completed it will offer over 4.75 km of berths
and be capable of accommodating several terminals with an overall are
as of about 230 ha. The new dock will be able to handle 2.5 million TE
U every year. The design of the docl allows for the construction at a
later date of a lock at its far end to give access to the Wasland Dock
Complex.
The new dock will be developed in various stages, with completion sche
duled for the year 2000. The first phase of the works call for the con
struction of 1.1 km of berths and a 60 ha terminal by the year 2000. A
t present every effort is being made to complete a first 700 m section
of berths before then, so that comtainer ships can start using the ne
w docks in the summer of 1989.