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Crisis update: possible disruption due to national strike days 24-26 November Paragraphs Title Update 19/11/2025 - 15:00 Heading type H2 Text Due to union actions, there may be an impact on shipping traffic in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. In the coming days, we expect to gain more clarity on the extent of this impact. Region eu1 Portal ID 139709035 Form ID 85c1eae4-8f33-4298-961e-77f525bc1a83 List ID 2795 Introduction National strike days will take place between 24-26 November. Disruption is also possible in the port of Antwerp-Bruges. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of the latest information via this page.     Teaser title Crisis update: possible disruption due to national strike days 24-26 November Teaser text National strike days will take place between 24-26 November. Disruption is also possible in the port of Antwerp-Bruges. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of the latest information via this page. Teaser image FOTO_ZEESCHEPEN_HAVENWERELD_2025 Date 2025-11-19T12:00:00 Enable social sharing On Exclude from search Off Publication date Wed, 19/11/2025 - 16:16

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FOTO_ZEESCHEPEN_HAVENWERELD_2025

National strike days will take place between 24-26 November. Disruption is also possible in the port of Antwerp-Bruges. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of the latest information via this page.

Crisis update: possible disruption due to national strike days 24-26 November

Due to union actions, there may be an impact on shipping traffic in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. In the coming days, we expect to gain more clarity on the extent of this impact.

{% module_block module "widget_a93bbd74-5071-45eb-b9bf-4007c7e4c832" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"anchor_id":"text","points":"group","title":"text"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}225956068580{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/PortOfAB/modules/Blog/MB - Blog Anchors"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "points" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"add_link":false,"link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"","href_with_scheme":"","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false},"text":"New draft record in the port of Zeebrugge with the arrival of MSC San Francisco"},{"add_link":false,"link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"","href_with_scheme":"","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false},"text":"Arrival with an exceptional 16.80-metre draft at CSP Zeebrugge"},{"add_link":false,"link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"","href_with_scheme":"","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false},"text":"Port of Antwerp-Bruges confirms its position as a fully capable deep-sea port for megaships"}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "title" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Anchor points"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
{% module_block module "widget_d27eb3ff-1927-464f-a58e-8befedc31d19" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Layout":"group","anchor_id":"text","text":"richtext"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}225963148517{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/PortOfAB/modules/Blog/MB - Blog Rich Text"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "text" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"The MSC San Francisco operates on the LION service, a direct connection from the Far East with calls in Zeebrugge and subsequently Antwerp. The vessel arrived from Colombo (Sri Lanka) and has a capacity of 16,196 TEU, a length of 366 metres and a beam of 51.09 metres."{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
{% module_block module "widget_c35ae6bd-0314-4568-ba86-e77158751a3e" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Layout":"group","anchor_id":"text","text":"richtext"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}225963148517{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/PortOfAB/modules/Blog/MB - Blog Rich Text"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "text" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"This record call illustrates the maritime expertise and operational capability of the port of Zeebrugge. Thanks to continuous investments in infrastructure and nautical accessibility, the port remains well equipped to safely and efficiently accommodate vessels with significant draft."{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
{% module_block module "widget_7a36fbe4-9e67-4735-a874-7669d0eed1ce" %}{% module_attribute "author" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Marc Beerlandt, CEO MSC BELGIUM"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Layout":"group","anchor_id":"text","author":"text","image":"image","quote":"richtext"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}225968394435{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/PortOfAB/modules/Blog/MB - Blog Quote"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "quote" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"With the new draught record set by MSC SAN FRANCISCO in Zeebrugge, we are once again taking a powerful step forward for Belgium and our customers. This achievement confirms the appeal of our ports for the largest vessels and reinforces the reliability of the logistics chain. Once again, we are very proud of this milestone and would like to express our gratitude to the pilotage service, Maritime Services and Coast (MDK) and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges for their partnership in achieving this fantastic result."{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
{% module_block module "widget_0b192ab6-6944-46ff-8ae6-1a371a52c32b" %}{% module_attribute "author" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Dirk De fauw, mayor of Brugge and vice-president Port of Antwerp-Bruges"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Layout":"group","anchor_id":"text","author":"text","image":"image","quote":"richtext"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}225968394435{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/PortOfAB/modules/Blog/MB - Blog Quote"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "quote" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"This new draft record is a remarkable moment for our port and for the city. Once again, it shows what we can achieve thanks to the close cooperation between all partners in the nautical chain. I would like to sincerely thank everyone — from pilots to traffic controllers, shipping lines and terminal operators — for their dedication. Together, we continue to put Zeebrugge on the map as a reliable and high-performing gateway to Europe."{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
{% module_block module "widget_ef024e06-5376-435f-b02d-918b556eb83e" %}{% module_attribute "author" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Nancy Van Osselaer, Commercial Manager CSP Zeebrugge"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Layout":"group","anchor_id":"text","author":"text","image":"image","quote":"richtext"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}225968394435{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/PortOfAB/modules/Blog/MB - Blog Quote"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "quote" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Improving the draft record in Zeebrugge with the MSC San Francisco once again confirms that our coastal port can receive the largest vessels. We are extremely proud of this achievement and thank the Pilotage, Maritime and Coastal Services Agency (MDK), and Port of Antwerp-Bruges for making this possible in close cooperation with CSP Zeebrugge."{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
{% module_block module "widget_46f9fcad-9db5-4ab1-9ba5-b3b327c058d4" %}{% module_attribute "author" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"Nathalie Balcaen, Administrator-General of the Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK)"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Layout":"group","anchor_id":"text","author":"text","image":"image","quote":"richtext"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}225968394435{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/PortOfAB/modules/Blog/MB - Blog Quote"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "quote" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"These records reflect the ambition of the port to welcome the largest ships and to continue growing. At MDK, we want to be a partner in this ambition by providing the expertise of our pilots and vessel traffic services."{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
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&nbsp;

The container vessel MSC San Francisco moored at CSP Zeebrugge with a draft of 16.80 metres, the deepest ever registered in the port. 

Zeebrugge - new record: MSC San Francisco reaches 16.80 metres draft

History of the Albert Canal: lifeline between Liège and Antwerp Paragraphs Title Twelve thousand workers Heading type H2 Text In 1928 , the government decided that a faster and more efficient link between the Meuse and Scheldt rivers was necessary. As such, it aimed to give a significant boost to the transport of raw materials, water, and other goods. At that time, bargemasters had to navigate through the Kempen canals. The journey could take up to 12 days, partly due to the numerous locks along the route.  Text alignment Left Background color Transparent Media Aanleg_Albertkanaal_1934 Heading type H2 Text A total of 12,840 workers spent nine years constructing the canal, which was named after King Albert I. Thanks to the Albert Canal, travel time for bargemasters was reduced to around 14 hours. The canal stretches 129 kilometres and features only six lock complexes , located in Wijnegem, Genk, Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Kwaadmechelen, and Olen. These locks effectively compensate for the 56-metre difference in elevation along the route. Each lock complex consists of three locks. If one lock needs to close, ships can still use the remaining locks. This ensures that businesses along the Albert Canal remain accessible at all times. Media Aanleg_Albertkanaal_1934 Title A subdued opening Heading type H2 Text In 1939, the Albert Canal officially opened. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards, World War II broke out, preventing the canal from immediately demonstrating its economic value.    Although the canal also served a military purpose. Bunkers were built along the western bank to defend against attacks from the east. Fort Eben-Emael is a prominent example of this. Unfortunately, it was unable to hold off the advancing German troops for long.    After the war, the Albert Canal quickly demonstrated its value. It played a key role in Belgium’s economic recovery, with industrial hubs emerging along the entire length of the canal.  Heading type H2 Text The Albert Canal winding past the cliffs near Fort Eben-Emael. Text alignment Right Background color Transparent Media Albertkanaal_1939 Title Today: a driving force for industry Heading type H2 Text Today, the canal carries over 40 million tons of goods annually , removing around 2 million trucks from the roads each year. Container transport has seen substantial growth over the past decade. The waterway is managed by De Vlaamse Waterweg NV and the Service Public de Wallonie.   The Albert Canal links Antwerp directly to Liège , passing through industrial hubs such as Genk, Beringen, Tessenderlo, Geel, Herentals, and Grobbendonk. Companies such as Nike, along with inland port terminals in the region, are investing heavily in inland shipping. For the port of Antwerp, the canal serves as a gateway to the hinterland, allowing goods to be transported quickly, cheaply, and sustainably to the Meuse region and beyond. Heading type H2 Text The link to the E313 motorway and the terminals along the canal make it a key logistics hub. Moreover, in recent years, all bridges over the canal were raised to 9.10 metres . Inland navigation craft carrying up to four layers of containers can thus safely navigate the canal. This creates additional opportunities for inland ports. In 2024, half a million TEU, the standard unit of measurement for containers, were transported via the Albert Canal.  Text alignment Left Background color Transparent Media Binnenvaart_2019 (19) Title A source of water and energy Heading type H2 Text The Albert Canal is much more than a transport artery. It is the largest source of drinking water in Flanders: about 40 percent of Flemish households drink water that ultimately comes from the canal. Each year, this amounts to 156 million cubic meters of water. Through facilities such as the one in Oelegem, Water-link turns it into drinking water for the Antwerp region.   The canal also supplies water to industry and other waterways and, for many years, even fed the Langerlo power plant. The water mainly originates from the Meuse River, flowing in via Liège and Maastricht.   During prolonged dry periods, when water levels in the Meuse drop, water is pumped back from the Antwerp docks through large pumping installations at the canal lock complexes. In times of water surplus, these installations operate in reverse to generate electricity — producing around three million kWh of green energy each year. That’s enough to power roughly a thousand households. This unique combination of pumping system and hydroelectric plant makes the Albert Canal a true dual source of water and energy. Text alignment Right Background color Transparent Media Albertkanaal_Binnenschip_geladen met zand_2013 Title You might also find this interesting Related content Inland navigation News Background color Dark Blue Center items Off Introduction Today, the Albert Canal is one of the main arteries of the Flemish economy, but it was created out of sheer necessity.  Teaser title History of the Albert Canal: lifeline between Liège and Antwerp Teaser text Today, the Albert Canal is one of the main arteries of the Flemish economy, but it was created out of sheer necessity.  Teaser image Albertkanaal_1939 Date 2025-10-31T12:00:00 Tags Inland navigation History Enable social sharing On Exclude from search Off Publication date Fri, 31/10/2025 - 16:43

Het Albertkanaal en de weg ernaast tussen de mergelrotsen in Limburg

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Today, the Albert Canal is one of the main arteries of the Flemish economy, but it was created out of sheer necessity.&nbsp;

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