The latest generation of container ships " the Triple-E class operated by Maersk " are able to call at the port of Antwerp. Tests by the Hydrological Laboratory of the Maritime & Coastal

Service Agency and by the Flemish government have shown that the Scheldt is able to accommodate this type of vessel, with a length of 400 m, width of 59 m and capacity of 18,000 TEU.

The Hydrological Laboratory has already carried out a series of realistic simulations using information provided by the shipping company, with positive results. The vessels will be able to call at Antwerp, with a few modifications to procedures here and there. In past years such positive simulations have always been followed by a number of test trips, with favourable results in each case. In the meantime there have already been more than 720 trips on the Scheldt with container carriers of more than 360 metres.

The draught available within the port of Antwerp is well suited to the market requirements. Furthermore Antwerp offers the advantages of its inland location and its good hinterland connections.

The Scheldt, the maritime gateway to the port of Antwerp, is able to accommodate the latest generation of container carriers which are some three metres longer and wider than the largest vessels hitherto seen on the river.

The definitive trip on the river is always approved by the joint (Flemish-Dutch) Permanent Commission for Supervision of Scheldt Navigation, which oversees safe and smooth shipping traffic on the river.