Even in freezing or snowy conditions, Port of Antwerp-Bruges keeps operating. Winter conditions can impact roads, shipping, and terminal activities, demanding additional efforts from a wide range of stakeholders, including Port of Antwerp-Bruges, nautical services, terminals, and carriers. Together, they ensure that the port remains as safe and accessible as possible.
Winter operations and gritting management in Antwerp
During winter weather, the Port Authority activates its winter service in the Antwerp port area. Winter coordinators continuously monitor the weather, the condition of the roads, and cycle paths using road surface sensors and a specialised weather service. On site, supervisors check that gritting operations are carried out correctly.
On both the left and right banks of the Scheldt, gritting trucks, cycle path spreaders, brine silos, salt silos, and a central salt warehouse are available. Roads receive treatment with wet salt (a mixture of salt and brine), and cycle paths are treated with brine. Each full gritting operation typically uses around 8,500 kg of salt and 45,000 litres of brine. Bridges and locks are especially susceptible to icy conditions. Each lock is therefore equipped with a fixed gritter. This ensures that crucial infrastructure remains operational, even during prolonged freezing conditions.
This approach reduces the risk of slipperiness, but never eliminates it entirely. Extra caution is thus necessary for all personnel operating within the port, particularly during extended periods of cold or winter conditions.
Winter interventions in Zeebrugge
In Zeebrugge, winter operations are carried out based on measurements from the Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) – West Flanders Road services. As there are no brine systems, only road salt is used, according to a set gritting plan with clearly defined priorities. Two gritting trucks for the roads and one for the cycle paths carry out the necessary work. The lock platform and the cruise terminal are the top priority.
What does winter weather mean for shipping?
The nautical chain in winter weather
Winter weather also requires vigilance on the water. Within the nautical chain, traffic guidance, shipping traffic control, pilots and towage services adjust their operations to the conditions. They monitor weather forecasts, visibility and temperature, and adjust manoeuvres when necessary.
When berthing and unberthing, crews need to consider slippery quays and decks, frozen mooring lines and equipment, as well as cold metal surfaces resulting from frost or snow. Through experience, clear communication and well-defined procedures, the safety of crew and infrastructure remains paramount, without losing sight of the realities of winter conditions.
Ice and ships
Unlike harsher winters in the past, it is now rare for the Scheldt or the docks to freeze over. The combination of salt in the water, a milder climate, and frequent shipping traffic means the water rarely freezes. Nevertheless, ice can still pose a real problem for ships in other areas, especially for propellers. Large ice floes can inflict damage on propeller blades. Shipping companies that sail through icy areas sometimes reinforce their propeller blades by welding additional material onto them.
Impact on terminals and the logistics chain
Terminals and operators
Terminals also take additional measures during winter weather. They clear snow and ice from their quaywalls, carriageways and transhipment areas, and adjust working procedures where necessary. This ensures the safety of employees, even in slippery conditions or reduced visibility.
Logistics chain and planning
Winter weather also has an impact on the logistics chain. Terminals, transport operators and planners take into account possible delays due to slippery roads, adjusted working methods or additional safety measures.
Transhipment activities may proceed more slowly, and trucks and inland navigation may also require more time. All parts of the logistics chain aim to keep the impact to a minimum through close coordination and communication, recognising that safety always comes before speed.
Winter alert
Snow and frost may impact the port, but with thorough preparation, clearly defined responsibilities and close cooperation, the port continues to operate safely and remain accessible. Also in winter.
Nevertheless, in such a busy working environment, it remains important that everyone, including staff, drivers, cyclists and visitors, exercises extra caution during winter weather. Adapted driving behaviour, vigilance on slippery surfaces and respect for safety regulations and for one another make all the difference.
