The new bike path on Malagastraat on the Right Bank, with a total length of 1,500 meters, is being paved by road construction company Colas. Of this, 350 meters (1,000 m2) will be completed using an electric asphalt paver, two electric rollers, an electric excavator, and an electric truck. Compared to traditional machinery, this can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, depending on the energy mix. Paving is one of the most CO2-intensive aspects of constructing a new bike path, alongside the production process itself.
2024-09-09
First in Antwerp port area: bike path constructed using electric machines
In the Antwerp port area, a new 350-meter bike path has been constructed using electric machines. This project is part of maintenance work on cycling infrastructure and aligns with an ambitious climate plan by Port of Antwerp-Bruges, which aims to reduce both direct and indirect CO2 emissions. It is the first time in Belgium that a combination of various electric machines has been used for a bike path of this size. The University of Antwerp is developing a tool to monitor emissions during these works.
Ambitious climate plan
Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to be climate-neutral by 2050, supported by an ambitious climate plan. The Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority focuses on reducing direct emissions by making buildings climate-neutral and greening the fleet. Additionally, it aims to reduce indirect emissions, such as those caused by infrastructure works on roads, quays, buildings, and bridges. This involves seeking out more sustainable materials and promoting zero-emission construction sites. This pilot project with electric machines is a first step in gaining experience and knowledge, providing better insight into the logistical and technical challenges associated with zero-emission construction sites.
Monitoring by the University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is monitoring this project as part of PIONEERS, a European initiative focused on sustainability in ports. The university has developed a Green Public Procurement tool that helps calculate the full CO2 footprint of the asphalt used. This includes consideration of raw materials, production methods, transportation, the asphalt’s lifespan, and how it is applied. In addition to focusing on more sustainable materials and production processes, the transportation and machines used also have a significant impact on overall emissions.
Sustainable cycling mobility
Port of Antwerp-Bruges has been working for several years on solutions to improve mobility in and around the port. The bicycle plays an important role in commuting. The Antwerp port area has an extensive network of over 200 km of bike paths. To further increase the number of cyclists, every company must be accessible safely and comfortably. In 2021, Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced that it would invest more than 40 million euros over the next 10 years to further improve cycling infrastructure in the port area.
