- Construction of the Antwerp Coordination Center (ACC) at Zandvliet-Berendrecht Lock has officially begun.
- The ACC will be operational by the end of 2026, serving as a cutting-edge hub for the port’s nautical chain activities.
- Designed with sustainability in mind, the building will be energy-neutral and prioritize innovation, collaboration, and biodiversity.
- It will house operational teams, training facilities, a visitor centre, and eco-friendly features to reinforce Antwerp’s role as a leading global port.
Today marks the official commencement of construction for the Antwerp Coordination Center (ACC) at Zandvliet-Berendrecht Lock. Designed as a state-of-the-art facility, the ACC will integrate all partners of the nautical chain to enhance port operations, reports Port of Antwerp-Bruges . Scheduled to be operational by late 2026, this initiative is set to reinforce Antwerp’s status as a global leader in maritime innovation and sustainability.
Collaboration and Efficiency
The ACC will serve as a landmark along the Scheldt River, with its eight-storey structure spanning 8,000 m² and standing 46 meters tall. Built between Zandvliet and Berendrecht Locks, the centre will replace the outdated facility from the 1970s, providing a modular and future-ready workspace. Key operational teams, including shipping guidance, lock operators, pilotage, and boatmen, will collaborate within a 1,000 m² communal workplace, optimizing communication for safe and efficient navigation.
In 2023 alone, the port managed 274,132 ship movements, averaging 761 daily, making the ACC an essential component for streamlined maritime operations. Additionally, the building will host training facilities, recreational areas, and a visitor centre connected to Havenwereld, the port experience centre. Visitors will enjoy guided tours, a panoramic terrace, and a glass gangway offering views of operational activities.
Commitment to Sustainability
The ACC exemplifies sustainability, aiming for energy neutrality with innovative technologies such as ground energy systems, solar panels, and rainwater recycling. The building will generate zero CO2 emissions, eschewing fossil fuels entirely. Circular material usage and green infrastructure, including roofs and 10,000 m² of ecological outdoor space, will minimize environmental impact and promote biodiversity.
Efforts to optimize air quality, thermal and acoustic comfort further demonstrate the ACC’s commitment to providing a sustainable and comfortable working environment. These features align with global environmental standards and enhance the centre’s long-term operational value.
Project Timeline and Vision
Commissioned by Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK), the ACC is being developed by KAAN Architecten, SVR-ARCHITECTS, Van Roey, and engineering firms Sweco/Blasco. The construction will proceed in phases, with operations beginning in late 2026. Afterward, the old building will be demolished, and the surrounding area will be redesigned.
Key stakeholders emphasize the project’s importance:
- Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “The ACC symbolizes innovation and sustainability, strengthening our port’s operations while prioritizing people and nature.”
- Annick De Ridder, Flemish Minister of Mobility, Public Works, Ports, and Sports: “Bringing nautical partners under one roof reflects Flanders’ pioneering role in the maritime sector.”
- Johan Klaps, Port Alderman: “This landmark ACC embodies our port’s ambitions, serving as both an operational hub and a visitor attraction.”
- Bram Vandenboom, General Manager of Van Roey: “We are proud to design and maintain this unique facility, ensuring its technical and structural integrity for 20 years.”
By integrating cutting-edge design with operational efficiency and sustainability, the Antwerp Coordination Center is poised to set new benchmarks for global port management.
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Source: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
