Posted on July 21, 2025
The Flemish government has given preliminary approval to the project for the Western Access to the Port of Waasland (WOW), which is part of the wider Extra Container Capacity Antwerp (ECA) programme. On Friday, Flemish minister for Mobility and Public Works Annick De Ridder (N-VA) announced the decision, describing it as a crucial step in preparing the Port of Antwerp for projected growth in global trade and improving connectivity to the Waasland port area.
“Extra container capacity is vital for maintaining Antwerp’s competitive position as a global port,” De Ridder stated in a press release. “However, without proper access infrastructure, surrounding villages risk becoming overwhelmed by traffic. The Western Access will ensure the smooth, safe and sustainable flow of port traffic by road, rail and bicycle. This way, we combine economic strength with quality of life and forward-looking mobility.”
The project will now proceed to the Council of State for legal review. A final decision is expected this autumn, after which procurement and construction will begin. The WOW project involves constructing an entirely new access road to the west of the Waasland Port, complete with integrated rail and cycling infrastructure.
Landscape buffer
A key feature of the plan is a 5-kilometre landscape buffer which will eventually extend to 11 kilometres and run alongside a second tidal dock. This green corridor will minimise disruption for local residents, protect the surrounding polder landscape and provide space for recreation and ecological functions.
We are strengthening the port’s role as an economic engine
“With this decision, we are strengthening the port’s role as an economic engine while respecting the quality of life in neighbouring communities,” Flemish Environment minister Jo Brouns (CD&V) said.
Vital regional role
As part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the Waasland Port plays a vital role in regional employment and international trade. In 2023, the port directly employed 22,453 full-time equivalents (FTEs), while a further 2,581 people worked as contractors. When indirect employment is included, Waasland Port’s total employment footprint reached 50,743 FTEs, highlighting its importance as a driver of economic growth in the region.
In 2023, the port processed a total of 114.7 million tonnes of goods, 99.3 million of which were containers. The port’s land use totalled 5,003,883 m², divided between 2,602,968 m² under concession contracts and 2,400,915 m² under long-term leasehold agreements. These figures highlight the port’s strategic importance as a logistics and industrial hub in the region.
