Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper): North Sea Port, including Ghent, Terneuzen, and Vlissingen, is building a new lock system with stronger bridges for bigger ships. Roel de Jong is the environmental manager. The project costs 1.2 billion euros and aims to boost trade and the local economy. Completion is expected in late 2024.
North Sea Port, which includes the ports of Ghent in Belgium and Terneuzen and Vlissingen in the Netherlands, is working on a new lock system with important bridges. Roel de Jong, the environmental manager, said that making the bridges stronger is a big step for the lock’s future. They added extra support to help the bridges hold heavy ships and deal with rough weather for at least 100 years. This will cut down on repairs and maintenance costs. The bridges are now ready for bigger ships that will soon use the lock to reach the port of Ghent, which should help increase trade and support the local economy.
What are the benefits of the new lock system at North Sea Port for Ghent’s trade?
The new lock system at North Sea Port is a big project that will help large ships get to the port more easily. Once it’s done, it will make it easier for ships to reach Ghent and boost trade in the area. The lock is still under construction, so people have to wait a bit longer to see the benefits. It has been said that the stronger bridges show that the port cares about being efficient and ready for the future. This project is an important step for shipping and the local economy.
First, there will be tests for the lock, letting a few ships pass at a time. If all goes well, the first ship could go through in the spring. The Terneuzen lock took 7 years to build and cost 1.2 billion euros, with help from Flanders, the Netherlands, and Europe. It’s not clear how much more money is needed for bridge repairs or who will pay. North Sea Port says the impact on traffic will be small and they are ready for delays.
