PSA Antwerp receives five mega STS cranes for Europa Terminal under ProjectEmerald

                The new cranes are purpose-built to handle the world’s largest containervessels and represent the largest STS cranes ever ordered for the Port ofAntwerp. Their arrival supports the terminal’s preparation for the nextgeneration of ultra-large container ships. Once installed, the cranes willstand 52 metres high with an outreach of 71.8 metres, enabling them tohandle vessels up to 26 containers wide. They feature a dual-hoist liftingcapacity of up to 112 tonnes, designed to increase operational efficiency, berthproductivity, and service reliability.

                The cranes are a core component of the transformation of Europa Terminal, ajoint project between PSA Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

                The equipment includes anti-sway systems, remote diagnostics, high-precisioncontrols, and integrated digital monitoring. Operator cabins are ergonomicallydesigned, and training will include a virtual-reality environment to supportskills development and safety.

                Integrated lashing platforms allow coning and deconing activities to take placeon elevated platforms, creating separation between lashing teams andterminal traffic to reduce operational risk. The cranes are equipped withenergy-efficient electric drives, regenerative power systems, and smart-grid compatibility, aimed at reducing energy consumption and emissions duringvessel handling. The delivery marks progress in Phase 1 of Project Emerald,which combines infrastructure upgrades — including quay wall deepening,reorientation, and extension — with technology and sustainability measures.

                According to Edward Tah, the project will increase Europa Terminal capacityby 800,000 TEUs annually and enhance operational efficiency, reliability, andsustainability. Johan Klaps stated that the cranes demonstratepreparations to keep the port competitive and ready to receive the largestcontainer ships. Work on the new quay wall is ongoing, with preparationsunderway for initial operations at the renovated section.

             Following offloading, the cranes will undergo assembly, testing, and safetychecks. They are expected to become operational in the second half of 2026,subject to project progress.