Over the past three years, the Antwerp port has undergone extensive preparations to accommodate container ships with a draft of 16 meters. This strategic move positions Antwerp as the first port capable of handling the largest vessels under its normal admission policy, says an article published on vessel finders website.
Summary
- The Antwerp port has been preparing for the past three years to accommodate container ships with a draft of 16 meters.
- This move makes Antwerp the first port capable of handling the largest vessels under its normal admission policy.
- The journey involved six meticulous test voyages, the latest of which featured the successful passage of MSC Raya in the Deurganck dock on November 10, 2023.
- MSC Aurora makes history as the first container ship to sail to Antwerp with a draft of 16 meters under normal admission policy.
- Antwerp’s draft limit was previously restricted to 15.56 meters. The attainment of a 16-meter draft is a pivotal advancement.
- The series of tests commenced on March 1, 2021, with MSC Regulus, followed by successful trials with MSC Rapallo, MSC Diletta, and MSC Isabella. The depth record of 16 meters was set by MSC Tessa on October 2, 2023.
Meticulous Test Voyages Pave The Way
The journey to achieve this milestone involved six meticulous test voyages, the latest of which featured the successful passage of MSC Raya in the Deurganck dock on November 10, 2023. These trials were a crucial step in ensuring the port’s readiness for the increased draft.
Historic Arrival Of MSC Aurora
Today, MSC Aurora makes history as the first container ship to sail to Antwerp with a draft of 16 meters under normal admission policy. This is not a trial run but a significant achievement that showcases the successful collaboration between various entities involved in maritime operations.
From 15.56 To 16 Meters, A Crucial Step Forward
Antwerp’s draft limit was previously restricted to 15.56 meters. The attainment of a 16-meter draft is a pivotal advancement. The collaborative efforts of MSC Belgium, Maritime Services and Coast Agency (MDK), Dutch pilots, Joint Nautical Authority (GNA), and Port of Antwerp-Bruges played a crucial role in realizing this impressive result.
Test Voyages And Depth Records
The series of tests commenced on March 1, 2021, with MSC Regulus, followed by successful trials with MSC Rapallo, MSC Diletta, and MSC Isabella. The depth record of 16 meters was set by MSC Tessa on October 2, 2023. These test voyages laid the foundation for the official implementation of the 16-meter draft.
Antwerp Port Gains Capacity And Competitive Edge
With the 16-meter draft now officially in effect, the Antwerp port can welcome the world’s largest ships. This additional depth allows for approximately 1000 TEU gain (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), exclusively applicable to container ships sailing to the Deurganck dock.
Leaders’ Perspectives On The Achievement
Annick De Ridder, Vice-Mayor of the City of Antwerp and President of the board of directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, emphasizes the economic significance of this achievement for global trade. Marc Beerlandt, CEO of MSC Belgium, expresses gratitude for the collaborative efforts and underscores the importance of this accomplishment in positioning Antwerp as a global port for the largest container ships.
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Source: vessel finders
