PSA Antwerp has reached a major milestone in its Project Emerald modernization program with the arrival of five new mega ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at the Europa Terminal. As the largest STS cranes ever ordered for the Port of Antwerp, these units are purpose-built to handle the world’s largest container vessels and meet the evolving demands of global trade. This delivery represents a key step in a joint project between PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to prepare the terminal for the next generation of ultra-large container ships.
Once fully installed, the cranes will stand 52 meters high with an outreach of 71.8 meters, allowing them to service vessels up to 26 containers wide. Equipped with energy-efficient electric drives and a dual-hoist lifting capacity of up to 112 tonnes, the new equipment is designed to significantly boost operational efficiency and service reliability. These state-of-the-art cranes also align with global sustainability goals through regenerative power systems and smart-grid compatibility, ensuring a more eco-friendly operation at the terminal.
The modernization effort under Project Emerald is expected to increase the Europa Terminal’s annual capacity by 800,000 TEUs. According to PSA Belgium Managing Director Edward Tah, this investment reflects a long-term commitment to Antwerp as a strategic gateway and focuses on strengthening the global network of port ecosystems. By enhancing efficiency and sustainability, the project aims to provide superior service for customers while bolstering PSA Antwerp’s nodal excellence.