Geneva's MSC, the world's second largest container shipping company and the second biggest player in the proposed P3 Network, has persuaded the Port of Antwerp to expand facilities to enable docking of 18,000-TEU mega ships of the mega alliance.

MSC has asked Antwerp Port Authority to be able to expand the Deurganck dock, across the River Scheldt from MSC's Delwaide dock which handled 4.6 million TEU last year.

MSC has developed the Delwaide dock, but its location on the right bank of the Scheldt does give it room to grow. Nor will it be able to handle the mega ships Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM of P3 Network will send its way.

The Antwerp Port Authority will now invite expressions of interest to begin the bidding process to expand the Deurganck dock, reports St Petersburg's PortNews.

In mid-October when the P3 alliance announced that it wished to opt for Antwerp as its continental base. The intention is for it to be up and running by the second quarter of 2014, assuming approval is obtained from the competition authorities.(Source: Shipping Gazette)