Nautical draught and tides

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is easily accessible to the largest seagoing vessels. Both Zeebrugge on the North Sea and Antwerp on the Scheldt receive ships with nautical draughts of up to 16 meters.

In Antwerp

The Scheldt is a tidal river and has a maximum draught at high and low tide.

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Lossen/ laden COSCO Shipping Star.

In Zeebrugge

Zeebrugge is next to the North Sea and is tidal. The permissible draught may vary depending on the tide, weather conditions, and desired under keel clearance.

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Maintaining maritime access

The Scheldt and the North Sea are tidal and therefore have varying draughts. Behind the locks in the docks or the inner port, the water level and draught is stable. Regular dredging and maintenance works ensure that maritime access to Port of Antwerp-Bruges is maintained.

Antwerp

The Scheldt is a tidal river and has a maximum draught at high and low tide.

On the Scheldt

DraughtDepth
Maximum draught upstream (tide-bound) 16 m
Maximum draught downstream (tide-bound)15.20 m
Tide-independent draught13.10 m

In the docks

The maximum draughts for the docks depend on both the lock entrance and the available water depth at the quay. These are therefore different for each route and destination followed.

 

More information? Contact Port Traffic

Zeebrugge

Zeebrugge is next to the North Sea and is tidal. The permissible draught may vary depending on the tide, weather conditions, and desired under keel clearance.

Lossen/ laden  COSCO Shipping Star.

In the outer port - North Sea

DraughtDepth
Maximum draught (tide-bound)16 m
Tide-independent draught13.5 m

Overview of the tidal heights in 2024 per month.

Tide table 2024

3/1/2024
Overview of the tidal heights in 2024 per month.
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Gerelateerde vragen

Contact our services

H
Harbour Master's Office Antwerp (HMO)

Harbour Master Service

H
Harbour Master's Office Zeebrugge (HMO)

Harbour Master Service

VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) Antwerp Port Area

Vessel Traffic Services

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