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 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.
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
| Draught | Depth |
|---|---|
| Maximum draught upstream (tide-bound) | 16 m |
| Maximum draught downstream (tide-bound) | 15.20 m |
| Tide-independent draught | 13.10 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.
In the outer port - North Sea
| Draught | Depth |
|---|---|
| Maximum draught (tide-bound) | 16 m |
| Tide-independent draught | 13.5 m |
In the inner port and docks
Check the latest safe maritime draughts based on the soundings.
