Go-ahead granted for second lock at Antwerp

“We are pleased that the need for a second lock has now been formally recognised,” said Port Authority chairman Marc Van Peel, whose sentiments were echoed by CEO Eddy Bruyninckx. According to the government, construction of the second lock can begin in 2009. The Port Authority for its part has been pressing for the work to start as soon as possible.

The Port Authority is prepared to participate in financing the lock, under certain conditions that would give all investors a level playing field. The second lock is necessary because the Kallo lock, which currently forms the only access, is now ageing and any maintenance work or incident would mean a serious interruption to shipping traffic. This can be avoided by building a second point of access to the port area on the left bank.