PSA Antwerp has marked a major milestone in its Project Emerald modernization programme with the arrival of five new mega ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at Europa Terminal.
Built to handle the world’s largest container vessels, the cranes are the biggest STS units ever ordered for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Their arrival strengthens Europa Terminal’s readiness for the next generation of ultra-large container ships.
Boosting Capacity and Performance
Each crane will stand 52 metres tall and offer an outreach of 71.8 metres, allowing them to serve vessels up to 26 containers wide. With a dual-hoist lifting capacity of up to 112 tonnes, the cranes will improve berth productivity, operational efficiency and service reliability.
The new equipment forms a core part of Project Emerald, a joint initiative between PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to modernise Europa Terminal and expand its handling capacity.
Advancing Safety and Technology
The cranes feature advanced anti-sway systems, remote diagnostics, high-precision controls and integrated digital monitoring. Operators will work in ergonomically designed cabins and use virtual reality-based training tools to enhance safety and skills development.
Integrated lashing platforms allow coning and deconing activities to take place on elevated platforms. This separates lashing teams from terminal traffic and reduces ground-level risk.
Supporting Sustainable Operations
Aligned with PSA’s sustainability strategy, the cranes use energy-efficient electric drives, regenerative power systems and smart-grid compatibility. These features reduce energy consumption and emissions during vessel handling.
Project Emerald Progress
The crane delivery marks a key milestone in Phase 1 of Project Emerald. The programme also includes deepening, reorienting and extending the quay wall to accommodate larger vessels.
Project Emerald is expected to increase Europa Terminal’s capacity by 800,000 TEUs annually while enhancing efficiency, reliability and sustainability. The cranes are scheduled to become operational in the second half of 2026, following assembly, testing and safety checks.
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