The MSC Regulus recently entered the port of Antwerp with a draught of 15.7 meters - a new record! The voyage was the first in a series of test voyages in which the draught is to be increased to 16 meters - a necessary step in order to be able to continue receiving giant container ships in the future. The pilot project is a collaboration between the Port of Antwerp, the Flemish and Dutch pilots, the Joint Nautical Authority (GNA) and the shipping company MSC.

First test successful

Container ships entering Antwerp are currently allowed to have a maximum draught of 15.5 meters in the Western Scheldt. To ensure that the largest of the large seagoing vessels can also use Antwerp as their first port of call in the future, a draught of 16 meters is required at the entrance. It has therefore been decided to carry out a series of trial runs in which the maximum draught will be systematically increased to 16 meters. This increase in the permitted draught considerably increases the loading capacity of the ships. These additional five decimeters mean an increase in loading capacity of around 1000 TEU.

The pilot project is a collaboration between the Port of Antwerp, the Flemish pilots of the Maritime Services and Coastal Agency (MD), the Dutch pilots, the Joint Nautical Authority (GNA) and the shipping company MSC. The extension only applies to container ships calling at the tidal terminals. On Sunday, the MSC REGULUS successfully completed its first trial voyage with a draught of 15.7 meters. The ship entered the port of Antwerp from Rotterdam, breaking the depth record in the Deurganckdok.

Six test drives

The entrance for ocean-going vessels is determined by the tides. At higher water levels, there is a "time window" in which a deeper vessel can enter or leave. Both the calculation of the time windows and simulations have shown that shipping with a draught of 16 meters is effectively possible on the Western Scheldt.

To ensure smooth and safe navigation on the Scheldt and its approaches to the sea, Flanders and the Netherlands are working together within the Joint Nautical Authority (GNA). The decision for the pilot project was made in close consultation with the GNA, so that the three draughts will be tested by both Flemish and Dutch pilots. Each draught test is followed by an evaluation and an exchange of experiences. After the six test runs, a final assessment will be made and a final decision will be taken on the entry of ships with a draught of 16 meters.

Rob Smeets, Chief Operations Officer Port of Antwerp: "We are very excited about this successful trial run and the new depth record. For our global economic position, the vital supply of our country and the prosperity of present and future generations, it is essential that we can receive the very largest seagoing vessels and that they can choose Antwerp as their first port of call. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the various partners who have made this project possible."

Annick De Ridder, Port Commissioner: "For our global economic position, the important supply of our country and Europe and the prosperity of present and future generations, it is essential that we continue to receive mega container ships and that they can choose Antwerp as their first port of call. We are therefore also extremely enthusiastic about the start of this project and the successful first trial run. If ships with a greater draught can call at the port of Antwerp, the port can raise its profile even further in the Far East, where the largest ships sail, and strengthen its position as the first port of call here too. This will help to strengthen our competitive advantage over other ports and consolidate our position as a global port."

Nathalie Balcaen, Director General of the Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services: "The gradual increase in shipping to a maximum draught of 16 meters means a considerable optimization of loading capacity. Years of experience, nautical expertise and strong cooperation across national borders make these trials possible and increase economic prosperity in Flanders. The nautical chain is becoming increasingly robust and is - successfully - challenging the limits of what can be safely achieved."

Marc Beerlandt, CEO MSC Belgium: "MSC is very excited about this project, which will increase the maximum draught in the port of Antwerp by almost half a meter, offering the opportunity to improve transit times and bring additional cargo to Antwerp."