2025-12-16

InfrastructureInvestments & concessionsSurroundings

New use for the construction dock in Zeebrugge

Construction of the eight elements of the new Scheldt Tunnel in Antwerp began in January 2023 on the Boudewijnkanaal in Zeebrugge. To this end, the contractor built a completely new dock at the corner of the Boudewijnkanaal and the Verbindingsdok: the construction dock. It is no less than 1 kilometre long and 200 metres wide.

From temporary to permanent

The Scheldt Tunnel completes the Antwerp Ring Road and becomes a fourth way to cross the Scheldt, alongside the Kennedy, Waasland and Liefkenshoek tunnels. The final tunnel section was transported to Antwerp at the end of September. 

 

The construction dock has therefore fulfilled its purpose, and the contractor will dismantle the site by the end of December. This completely frees up the construction dock. With the completion of this construction phase, a new stage begins: the temporary construction dock will become a permanent dock.

Aerial view of the quay of the construction dock in Zeebrugge.

New quayside at the Verbindingsdok

“Today, we are already building a new quayside at the Verbindingsdok, around the corner from the construction dock,” says Patrice Vindevogel, project manager at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. “In future, one RORO ship will be able to moor here.” 

 

RORO ships carry wheeled cargo, such as cars and crane trucks. 

Widening and deepening from 2026

On the side of the Boudewijnkanaal, the temporary walls of the construction dock will disappear from autumn 2026 onwards. The dock will then be widened and deepened to approximately twelve metres. This is necessary to accommodate the largest ships. Two moorings will be created along the new quayside.

Aerial photo of the work being carried out on the construction dock in Zeebrugge.

Additional capacity for RORO and cars

This will provide the Orcelle Terminal of Wallenius Wilhelmsen with three additional moorings for RORO ships and space for approximately 8,000 additional vehicles. This will strengthen Port of Antwerp-Bruges' role as the world's largest car port.

 

The new dock will be ready in the first half of 2027.

Stay up to date

Want to keep up to date about everything that's going on at the port? If so, subscribe to one or more of our newsletters. You will then receive updates about the latest developments and events directly in your mailbox.

Stay up to date
A hand gliding along the water of the Scheldt river.

You might also find this interesting

RORO & automotive
Roll on roll off

RORO and automotive

Why is there a castle in the Royers Lock construction pit?
History

Why is there a castle in the Royers Lock construction pit?

Construction of quayside channel-bassin B2
Infrastructure

Construction of quayside channel-bassin B2

Construction of CO₂ backbone started in Antwerp port area by joint initiative of Fluxys Belgium, Pipelink, and Air Liquide.
Pipeline

Construction of CO₂ backbone started in Antwerp port area by joint initiative of Fluxys Belgium, Pipelink, and Air Liquide