Zeebrugge (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Port of Zeebrugge established a new historical milestone when a vessel entered with its hull extended 16.40 meters below water. Zeebrugge supports the future growth of its port by providing docking capabilities for immense and heavy ships among the world’s largest.
MSC Mina docked at the port of Zeebrugge to establish a new record as the deepest container ship ever received at the harbour. At 16.40 meters, the MSC Mina surpassed the previous record held by Ever Greet by 10 centimetres when the vessel reached its depth below the waterline with its 400-meter length and capability to transport 23,656 containers.
The record-breaking dimension of the Port of Zeebrugge as a hub for massive ships demonstrates its ability to draw some of the world’s biggest vessels, thus enhancing its international port competition.
Dredging operations in Zeebrugge allowed the port to receive ships requiring draft water levels of 16.50 meters while continuing development to expand harbour depth to 16.80 meters. CSP Zeebrugge terminal operator Nancy Van Osselaer confirmed that minimal boosted depth creates substantial benefits for transported cargo. Zeebrugge offers deeper draft capabilities than Antwerp by reaching 16 meters, therefore transforming into a crucial port facility for ultra-large container vessels. The MSC Mina docking success was achieved through combined actions between pilot shipping companies and terminal operators.
“As a port, it is important to be able to offer sufficient depth,”
says Van Osselaer,
“because then you can receive ships that would otherwise go to other ports. There was recently extensive dredging in Zeebrugge, which means that ships with a depth of up to 16.50 metres can actually moor here. In the long term, the intention is to go up to 16.80 metres. But that is still a pipe dream. In the port of Antwerp, the maximum depth is 16 metres.”
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges itself is, of course, also pleased with the record.
“It is the result of close cooperation between all partners in maritime traffic,”
says operational director Rob Smeets,
“from pilots to shipping companies and terminal operators. Together, we show what Zeebrugge is capable of.”
What is the strategic importance of Zeebrugge’s deep-water capabilities in European shipping?
The Port of Zeebrugge within the Port of Antwerp-Bruges operates as a central European container hub by processing more than 2.8 million TEUs in 2022. The North Sea shoreline of Belgium hosts Zeebrugge port, which provides essential maritime connections between Europe and Asia as well as the Americas.
The 16.50-meter draft capability of the port enables it to receive the MSC Mina and other ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) even though it stands as one of the world’s biggest vessel types at 23,656 TEUs. The maximum draft allowance in Antwerp stands at 16 meters, and Maasvlakte terminals in Rotterdam have a draft capacity of 17.50 meters.
Zeebrugge achieved its position in global shipping routes through the successful implementation of a €200 million deepening operation, along with recent dredging efforts. As a key transhipment location, the port processes 45% of its traffic through short-sea shipping, together with 55% from deep-sea shipping. Major shipping alliances 2M and THE Alliance select Zeebrugge as a port stop in their routes because the port provides deep-water access and offers fast connections to the hinterland areas.
MSC Mina’s arrival showcases Zeebrugge’s advantages against competitive ports Le Havre (16.15 meters max draft) and Hamburg (15.90 meters). The growth in global container ship size has reached 24,000 TEU vessels, and Belgium’s deep berth investments make Zeebrugge the top choice for mega-ships to support Europe‘s maritime logistics network.
