The Port of Rotterdam has initiated the second phase of the Yangtzekanaal widening project, a strategic expansion designed to accommodate larger container vessels and increasing maritime traffic.
The first stage of the project has been completed by a contractor consortium comprising Hakkers, De Klerk, and Van Oord. This initial phase involved widening the southern side of the channel over a 500-metre stretch and the delivery of a new tugboat quay equipped with 12 berths and shore power facilities.
The current second phase involves the construction of a 1,450-metre quay wall situated west of the existing Antarcticakade. This development will provide 20 additional berths for inland shipping, which will also be equipped with shore power capabilities. These new berths will supplement the 10 existing berths currently operating in the area.
The widening of the channel is essential to support capacity expansions at the APMT 2 and RWG terminals located in the Prinses Amaliahaven. As these terminals increase their capacity, the volume of traffic within the Yangtzekanaal is expected to rise, necessitating greater space for safe and efficient vessel passage.
As part of the construction process, approximately 1.4 million cubic metres of sand will be dredged and repurposed for land reclamation on Maasvlakte 2. The long-term objective is to widen the navigable channel bed across its entire length.
Upon completion, the enhanced infrastructure will allow for two-way traffic for container ships with capacities of up to 24,000 TEU. The project aims to prepare the Maasvlakte area for the arrival of next-generation container vessels.
