Antwerp Gateway is a joint venture between P&O Ports, which holds the largest (67.5%) stake, P&O Nedlloyd (25%), and inland port operator Duisport (7.5%), which ventures into ocean ports for the first time.

The €160m first phase of the new terminal is expected to commence operations in the middle of 2005 and will comprise 1,650m of quayline for an estimated capacity of 1.4 million teus. Development of the second phase is anticipated from 2007 and will result in a total quayline of 2,500m with an alongside depth of 16m when fully commissioned.

The Antwerp Gateway terminal is situated on the left bank of the River Scheldt, which means ships will not have to negotiate the lock system. The initial phase of the terminal will be equipped with six super post-Panamax cranes and a straddle carrier operation.

The Port of Antwerp's strategic location near the European hinterland has resulted in an annual growth in container handling volumes of over 10% yearly over the last decade.

Existing terminals are operating at high utilisation, creating demand for new capacity.

Bringing containers further inland at Antwerp has a cost advantage as shipping mileage is cheaper than for road transport.

MJ Information No: 19413