Port of Antwerp Bruges takes anti-drought measures

Due to the prolonged drought, Port of Antwerp Bruges says it proactively taking a number of measures to keep the port accessible, safe and resilient. Water levels in the docks can easily fall by several centimetres a day, it points out, and if this continues for too long, the port may no longer be accessible to ships with a deep draught.  

The problem is most severe in Antwerp itself, where the water levels in the various docks and waterways around the port are all interconnected.

In the event of extreme drought, a pumping installation can be used to transfer water from the Scheldt to the port docks and the Albert Canal. However, the Scheldt water is saltier than that in the docks, with the extra salinity causing its own problems such as greater corrosion.

The port reports that it is therefore taking a number of immediate measures to limit the drop in dock water levels and the increase in salinity:  

In particular, shipping traffic is being planned as efficiently as possible, with vessels passing through the locks in groups to minimise the amount of salt water entering the docks and canals.  

In addition, the pumps that transfer water from the Scheldt to the docks are only used “when there is no alternative”, says the port. 

In the long term, the Port of Antwerp says it is working on a wide range of projects to improve water availability, infiltration and water reuse.