Project Emerald: First Automated Staking Cranes installed at Europa Terminal

5 July 2024 - A significant milestone has been reached at the Europa Terminal on quay 869 in Project Emerald, the ambitious renovation operation of the terminal: the installation of the first six automated stacking cranes (ASCs).

The 33-year-old Europa Terminal is undergoing a renovation to continue accommodating the latest generation of ships. Currently, the terminal can handle ships up to 11,000 TEU, but after the upgrade, it will be able to handle ships up to 25,000 TEU. Project Emerald not only increases the service level but also improves employee safety.

Following earlier milestones such as the demolition of the old MO building, the relocation to Popaay Village, the concrete pour for the first crane beam, and the realization of the first container plinths, six brand-new ASCs have now been installed. These cranes can stack containers up to six high instead of three.

In total, 48 electric ASCs will be installed, increasing the terminal capacity by 40% and reducing CO2 emissions per container by 58%. Additionally, PSA Belgium is investing in 11 new semi-automated quay cranes with Dual Hoist and OCR technology.

Watch the video to see how the various components of the cranes arrived by ship and lighter and were then assembled on the construction site. The erection of the cranes at Europa Terminal was an impressive moment.