Soil

Historic soil contamination has occurred in the port area over the years. Both the individual companies and Port of Antwerp-Bruges itself take measures to reduce and remove pollution of (water) soil and environment.

Nature Sustainability

Soil research and soil remediation

We aim to have all historical soil contamination remediated by 2036. Soil studies and decontamination operations are therefore being prepared or carried out at various locations, both in Port of Antwerp-Bruges ownership and concession areas.

During remediation, we try to preserve the existing soil diversity as much as possible (and thus take care of the soil) and coordinate the implementation of infrastructure and remediation works. In addition, we also focus on innovative techniques to achieve the most cost-efficient results possible for the various contamination parameters.

Former General Motors Site - NextGen District

The former 88 hectares of General Motors in Antwerp will become the future hotspot for circular economy: NextGen District. Innovative players in the circular process and manufacturing industry will give new life to end-of-life products, research circular carbon solutions and carry out test projects with renewable energy.

Because there was historical contamination in the soil, we remediated it in cooperation with OVAM. The contaminated soil was excavated, cleaned and then put back in the site. In a later phase, the existing groundwater will also be decontaminated in cooperation with OVAM.

Waterbed quality

We also continuously monitor the waterbed quality in the port area. In case of planned dredging works, we always measure the quality of the spoil beforehand. Depending on this, we can then determine a suitable destination for this contaminated or non-contaminated sediment.

Sustainable processing of contaminated sludge

Every year, enormous quantities of sludge are dredged in the port and then processed by the Amoras dewatering installation. Since 2020, Amoras has also been sustainably processing the most contaminated dredging sludge in the port, more specifically TBT sludge.

TBT was used worldwide in ship paint from the 1970s to prevent the growth of mussels and algae on hulls, but has been completely banned since 2003. Tackling the TBT-contaminated water bed will substantially improve water quality.