The Government of Flanders, Belgium, has approved the draft decision to develop a container terminal hub in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Known as the “Container Cluster Linkerscheldeoever (CCL),” the project aims to significantly expand container handling capacity at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and will strengthen the role of rail transport in the distribution of goods to the hinterland.
This approval marks an important milestone in the Extra Container Handling Capacity Antwerp (ECA) program, developed in partnership by the Flemish Department of Mobility and Public Works, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and the Linkerscheldeoever Development Company.
The project’s objective is to increase the port’s capacity by an additional 7 million TEU to meet the growing demand generated by international trade.
“Globally, an increasing share of cargo is transported in containers, and the demand for container handling continues to grow in the Port of Antwerp as well. Without additional capacity, there is a risk that cargo volumes and the associated economic activity will shift to competing ports,” said Johan Klaps, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
The container terminal hub will enable the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to efficiently manage growth and ensure the port’s long-term competitiveness.
Rail Transport, a Key Component of the Project
The central element of the project is the construction of a second tidal-access dock for container ships, located adjacent to the existing Deurganck Dock. It will serve the new container terminals and will be complemented by the Three Docks logistics area, designed for warehousing and distribution operations.
A new freight yard will play an essential role in the new logistics configuration, designed for the formation and dispatch of trains carrying containers to the main economic centers in Belgium and the rest of Europe. By developing the rail infrastructure, the authorities aim to increase the share of rail transport and reduce dependence on road transport, which will help lower carbon emissions and relieve congestion on the road network.
In addition to the new terminal and rail yard, the project includes filling in the Northern Cut dock to create a new container terminal, relocating high-voltage power lines, developing the De Bieshoek industrial and logistics zone, and creating two new nature areas in South Doelpolder and South Prosperpolder.
The Flemish government states that the port development will be carried out in parallel with measures to protect the environment and local communities. A buffer zone consisting of earthen embankments and vegetation will be created between the port infrastructure and nearby communities to reduce noise and light pollution. At the same time, the new terminals will utilize modern technologies with zero local emissions and low noise levels.
The development strategy places particular emphasis on shifting container transport to rail and river transport, so that as much of the logistics flow as possible is carried out via sustainable modes of transport, and the remaining road traffic is routed away from local communities in the area.
The project will be open for public consultation from June 12 to August 10, 2026. After reviewing the comments received and obtaining the opinion of the Council of State, the Government of Flanders will be able to adopt the final decision regarding the implementation of the investment.
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