MSC Antwerp expansion moves forward

The request by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to expand its operations in the Port of Antwerp has moved a step forward, following a decision by the Port Authority board of directors to enable the port’s management committee to consider how the project can be carried out.

Last year, MSC announced that in order to accommodate future growth it wished to move its operations to the Deurganck dock as it had already reached its limits in the Delwaide dock, not only in terms of terminal capacity but also in the size of ships.  The shipping line handled 4.6m teu at its Home Terminal in 2013.

The line also explained that along with its other P3 partners (Maersk Line and CMA CGM), it wished to retain Antwerp as a major European hub; however, when vessels of 16,000 and 18,000 teu are introduced in the near future, it will be impossible for these to be handled behind the Berendrecht lock.