Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Flemish government approved a plan to improve transport and sustainability in Ghent, Zelzate, and Lochristi, including R4, E34, rail links, hydrogen pipelines, and public consultation from August 19.
As VRT News reported, the Flemish government has approved a plan to change things around the port of Ghent. This plan focuses on Ghent, Lochristi, and Zelzate. They mentioned that it includes projects to improve transport, make things more sustainable, and use space better.
They plan to rebuild the R4 East and the E34 highway, including where they meet, and make the Zelzate tunnel deeper. New train lines will be built to move goods between Ghent and Terneuzen, and there will be a special railway for the port. The plan also adds safe paths for bikes and walkers. They will also set up pipelines for hydrogen, helping the area become a centre for green energy.
“The plan is an investment in the future of our region, at the crossroads of mobility, economy and quality of life.”
Flemish Minister of Environment Jo Brouns (CD&V)
How will the Flemish Government’s port plan impact Zelzate and the North Sea port?
According to the officials, the Flemish government is paying special attention to Zelzate in this project because the town has been affected by industry and transport. They worked with Zelzate’s local government and East Flanders governor Carina Van Cauter on a plan to organise the infrastructure. This plan aims to avoid too much building and keep things from being divided up.
They want to make sure that the new transport and economic growth also protect the environment and are fair to everyone. Environment Minister Jo Brouns said this plan is important for making the area better to live in and connecting everything. Now, they will ask the public for their ideas and study the environmental effects before making the final plan.
“The Ghent Canal Zone occupies a crucial strategic position on the connection between Zeebrugge and Antwerp and in the north with the Netherlands,”
Van Cauter emphasises.
“There are several strategic sectors in the port area. That future, together with the quality of life of the surrounding villages and cities, can be further developed thanks to this GRUP.”
The new plans are important for North Sea Port, which is in both Belgium and the Netherlands. Cas König, the CEO of North Sea Port, says these changes will make it easier and safer to get around the port. The port wants to become a modern place for moving goods, using more sustainable ways like boats and trains instead of trucks, to help the environment and save energy.
CEO Cas König says,
“In particular, this will create the necessary space for the Rail Ghent-Terneuzen rail connection, for which financing has already been provided and which can further increase the share of rail transport from 10 to 15%”
From August 19th to October 17th, 2025, everyone gets a chance to share their ideas about the new plans. People can check out the plans online at the Flemish government’s website or go to the town halls in Zelzate, Lochristi, and Ghent to see them in person. The government will also hold information sessions so people can learn more, ask questions, and say what they think.
After this period, the planning team will read all the comments and decide what to study next to see how it might affect the environment. Then, there will be another chance for people to give their opinions on the plans before they are officially finished.
