Infrastructure
New Lock Terneuzen
The New Lock in Terneuzen will come into operation at the end of 2024. The New Lock will be 427 metres long and 55 metres wide, which – after the necessary adjustments to the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal – will allow Post-Panamax vessels up to 366 metres long, 49 metres wide and with a draught of 14.5 metres to load and unload behind the lock in Terneuzen or to sail on to the Rodenhuizedok in Ghent. In this way, we can avoid waiting times for maritime and inland shipping in our port as much as possible, tailored to the increasingly busy shipping traffic and larger ships.
Rail Ghent-Terneuzen
In order to offer a sustainable alternative to road transport, we must be able to rely on a strong cross-border rail network. Preliminary research, financed by the European Union, identified three possible rail developments: a track between Axel (Netherlands) and Zelzate (Belgium), one east of the Sluiskilbrug, and one north of the Kluizendok. In collaboration with ProRail and Infrabel, and in consultation with the local community, we will further explore and develop these plans in the coming period.
R4 West and East
Traffic on the ring road around Ghent will also become safer, smoother and more efficient thanks to investments in road and cycling infrastructure. In addition to 25 kilometres of cycling infrastructure, 8 cycling bridges and 15 cycling underpasses, there will also be rail infrastructure, noise barriers and greenery. The R4 West ensures a smooth connection between the E34, the E40 and the E17. The R4 East guarantees good accessibility of the port companies.
Seine-Scheldt Project
To ensure that ships up to 4,500 tonnes can sail smoothly to Paris via inland waterways, North Sea Port and France are joining forces in the Seine-Scheldt Project. By 2030, the inland waterway connection between Ghent and Deûlémont on the French border will be open. After that, France will open the route to Paris via Lille, Cambrai and Compiègne. In this way, North Sea Port will become a true outport on the Seine for the region around Paris.
New Meulestede Bridge
In the very south of the port area, on the edge of Ghent city centre, the Meulestede Bridge is currently being renovated. The bridge forms one of the few connections between both banks of the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. In concrete terms, the bridge will be made almost three times as wide, with a clearance of 20 metres and five lanes. The three northbound and two southbound lanes will ensure that traffic can always continue to flow in both directions, even during maintenance work. Cyclists and pedestrians can pass under the bridge on the Meulestedekaai. The works are scheduled to be completed in 2025.