Wedoany.com Report on Feb 26th, Five new ultra-large ship-to-shore (STS) cranes have arrived at the Europe Terminal, marking a significant milestone in PSA Antwerp's modernization plan under the "Project Emerald." Designed specifically for handling large container vessels, these are the largest STS cranes ordered by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and will enhance the terminal's capability to accommodate ultra-large container ships.
Each crane stands 52 meters tall with an outreach of 71.8 meters, capable of serving vessels up to 26 containers wide. With a twin-lift capacity of 112 tons, this equipment will improve berth productivity, operational efficiency, and service reliability. As a core component of "Project Emerald," this initiative is jointly advanced by PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, aiming to update the Europe Terminal's facilities and expand its handling scale.
The cranes are equipped with advanced anti-sway systems, remote diagnostics, high-precision control, and integrated digital monitoring. Operators will work in ergonomically designed cabins and utilize virtual reality training tools to enhance safety measures and skill development. An integrated lashing platform allows for container cone lashing and unlashing on an elevated platform, separating the lashing team from terminal traffic and reducing risks in ground-level operations.
In line with PSA's sustainability strategy, the cranes feature energy-efficient electric drives, regenerative power systems, and smart grid compatibility, contributing to reduced energy consumption and emissions during vessel handling. The crane delivery is a key milestone in the first phase of "Project Emerald," which also includes deepening, realigning, and extending the quay wall to accommodate larger ships.
"Project Emerald" is expected to add an annual capacity of 800,000 TEUs to the Europe Terminal while improving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. These cranes are scheduled to become operational in the second half of 2026 after assembly, testing, and safety inspections are completed, further optimizing the port's handling capabilities.
