Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of the most important pipeline hubs in Western Europe. Pipelines offer the industry a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly means of transport for the supply and distribution of liquid products. They also play a key role in the energy transition.

Intraport network of pipelines

Within the chemical cluster in Antwerp, the industrial and independent tank storage operations are connected to each other via 48 different product pipelines or 1,000 km of pipelines that account for almost 90% of all transport of liquid goods within the port.

Pipelines are the most environmentally friendly, energy efficient and safe mode of transport. They realise growth opportunities in the context of the energy transition.

Jacques VandermeirenCEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges
CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Port of Antwerp-Bruges took over the management of this pipeline network from the National Pipeline Company at the end of 2017 and plans to expand the network even further with the company Pipelink.

 

Zeebruges is connected by pipelines to the Norwegian gas fields via Gassco's Zeepipe and to the United Kingdom via the Interconnector. LNG is mainly delivered by sea from Qatar. The LNG is traded, delivered to the Belgian market or to consumer markets in Europe.

Connected to the ARG network

The ARG ethylene pipeline network (Aetylen-Rohrleitungs-Geselschafft) connects the chemical industries in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. From Antwerp, Europe's largest producer of ethylene, countless pipelines extend out towards Terneuzen, Rotterdam, Feluy and the Rhine-Ruhr region. These pipelines ensure strong integration with the local industry there.

New connections to the Ruhr region

Strengthening the pipeline network that connects Antwerp, Limburg and the Ruhr region in Germany is of major economic importance for Belgian and European industry.

 

Flemish minister Philippe Muyters' commitment in this regard was therefore good news. He recently stated his intention, together with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the umbrella organisations Essenscia and Fetrapi, to launch a study on the ground with a view to the necessary future reservation of land for new pipelines in the Ruhr region. 

Crucial role in bringing about the energy transition

Pipelines are ideal for transporting hydrogen and CO₂, for example, and are also essential for the construction of heat networks. Examples include the steam network ECLUSE, which will supply energy to surrounding port companies using heat from six incinerators.

Climate and energy transition takes shape with the switch to a circular economy and major investments in the energy transition.

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To stand out from the competition on the world market, companies must be able to call on the best possible supply chain to get cargo to its final destination.

Brochure Supply Chain

26/3/2024
To stand out from the competition on the world market, companies must be able to call on the best possible supply chain to get cargo to its final destination.
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Gregory Claes

Infra Business Developer

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