PSA Antwerp Receives Five Mega STS Cranes for Europa Terminal Under Project Emerald
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 27
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
PSA Antwerp has received five mega ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at the Europa Terminal as part of the Project Emerald terminal redevelopment. The cranes, the largest ever ordered for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, are designed to handle next-generation ultra-large container vessels, with 71.8-metre outreach and 112-tonne dual-hoist lifting capacity.
Mega STS Cranes Arrive at Europa Terminal
PSA Antwerp has reached a significant milestone in its Project Emerald redevelopment programme with the arrival of five new mega ship-to-shore cranes at the Europa Terminal.
The cranes were transported along the Scheldt River and guided to the terminal by tugboats before being positioned for installation.
Designed to serve the largest container vessels currently operating worldwide, the cranes represent the largest STS cranes ever ordered for the Port of Antwerp.
Their arrival marks an important step in preparing the terminal for next-generation ultra-large container ships.
Crane Capacity and Operational Performance
Once installed, the new ship-to-shore cranes will significantly enhance container handling capability at the Europa Terminal.
Key specifications include:
Height of 52 metres
Outreach of 71.8 metres
Ability to handle vessels up to 26 containers wide
Dual-hoist lifting capacity of up to 112 tonnes
These capabilities are designed to improve:
Berth productivity
Vessel turnaround time
Operational efficiency
Service reliability
The cranes will allow the terminal to accommodate the largest container ships currently deployed in global shipping networks.
Core Element of Project Emerald Redevelopment
The arrival of the cranes forms part of Phase 1 of Project Emerald, a major transformation
project at the Europa Terminal. The redevelopment is being carried out jointly by PSA Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
The project includes several key infrastructure upgrades such as:
Deepening of the quay wall
Reorientation and extension of the terminal infrastructure
Implementation of advanced crane technology
Sustainability improvements across terminal operations
According to Edward Tah, the project will increase the terminal’s capacity by approximately 800,000 TEUs per year. The upgrades are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, reliability and environmental performance.
Safety, Technology and Workforce Development
The new STS cranes are equipped with a range of advanced safety and digital technologies.
These include:
Anti-sway crane control systems
High-precision positioning controls
Remote diagnostics and monitoring
Integrated digital performance monitoring
Operator cabins have been ergonomically designed to improve working conditions.
In addition, training programmes will include virtual-reality simulation environments, helping operators develop skills in a controlled and safe training environment.
The cranes also incorporate integrated lashing platforms, allowing coning and deconing operations to take place on elevated work platforms.
This design separates lashing teams from ground traffic, improving safety and reducing operational risk within the terminal.
Energy Efficient and Sustainable Design
The new cranes also incorporate several energy efficiency technologies aimed at reducing emissions and improving sustainability.
Key features include:
Energy-efficient electric drive systems
Regenerative power technology
Smart-grid compatibility
These systems help reduce energy consumption during vessel handling operations while supporting the port’s broader environmental goals.
Next Steps Before Operations Begin
Following delivery to the Europa Terminal, the cranes will undergo a series of assembly, testing and safety certification procedures.
These processes will ensure that the equipment meets operational and safety requirements before entering service.
The cranes are expected to become fully operational during the second half of 2026, depending on overall project progress.
According to Johan Klaps, the new cranes demonstrate the port’s commitment to maintaining its competitiveness and preparing infrastructure capable of handling the largest container vessels in global shipping.
About PSA Antwerp
PSA Antwerp operates container terminals at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s largest and most important maritime logistics hubs. The company provides container handling services and logistics solutions supporting international trade.
Website: https://www.globalpsa.com
About Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of Europe’s leading seaports and a major logistics gateway for international trade. The port handles a wide range of cargo including containers, bulk commodities and project cargo.
Website: https://www.portofantwerpbruges.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What cranes arrived at the Europa Terminal?
Five mega ship-to-shore (STS) container cranes were delivered to the Europa Terminal in Antwerp.
How large are the new STS cranes?
The cranes will stand 52 metres high and have an outreach of 71.8 metres.
What container vessels can the cranes handle?
The cranes are designed to handle ultra-large container ships up to 26 containers wide.
What is Project Emerald?
Project Emerald is a major redevelopment programme at the Europa Terminal, including quay upgrades, new crane technology and sustainability improvements.
When will the cranes become operational?
The cranes are expected to enter service in the second half of 2026, following assembly and testing.
