In the Antwerp port area, a new 350-meter bike path has been built using electric machinery, marking a significant step in maintaining cycling infrastructure and aligning with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ ambitious climate goals.
This project, the first of its kind in Belgium to use a combination of electric machines for a bike path of this scale, is part of the port’s broader effort to reduce direct and indirect CO2 emissions. The University of Antwerp is also involved in the project developing a tool to monitor emissions during the construction.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The port authority is focused on cutting direct emissions by making buildings climate-neutral and greening its fleet. It also targets reducing indirect emissions, such as those generated by infrastructure works on roads, quays, buildings, and bridges.
The plan of the port includes using more sustainable materials and promoting zero-emission construction sites. The pilot project with electric machines is an important step toward understanding the logistical and technical challenges of zero-emission construction.
The University of Antwerp is monitoring this project as part of the PIONEERS initiative, a European effort aimed at promoting sustainability in ports. The university has developed a Green Public Procurement tool that calculates the complete CO2 footprint of the asphalt used, considering factors like raw materials, production methods, transportation, lifespan, and application.
In addition to using sustainable materials and production processes, transportation and equipment significantly impact overall emissions.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has been working for years to improve mobility in and around the port, with bicycles playing a key role in commuting. The port area boasts over 200 km of bike paths, and ensuring safe and comfortable access for cyclists to all companies is a priority.
