PSA gets new Antwerp box terminal concession

PSA gets new Antwerp box terminal concession    Hesse-Noord Natie, the Belgian-based subsidiary of PSA International, of Singapore, has been granted the concession to operate a container terminal on the west side of Deurganckdok, the port of Antwerp's newest facility.
   Deurganckdok West is situated on the left bank of the river Scheldt, outside of the locks, providing direct access to the river and reducing vessel sailing time.
   Deurganckdok is expected to double the present handling capacity of Antwerp, the port said.
   The new Hesse-Noord Natie terminal will have a quay length of 2,750 meters and a surface area of 200 hectares. When fully operational, the terminal will be equipped with more than 100 straddle carriers and 24 quay cranes capable of handling vessels up to 20 containers wide. It will also have facilities to transfer containers for truck, rail and barge connections.
   The concession agreement was signed last Friday in Singapore.
   Hesse-Noord Natie currently manages 4 container terminals in Antwerp; the Europa terminal, the Noordzee terminal, MSC Home terminal (a joint venture with Mediterranean Shipping Co.) and the terminal at the Churchilldok.