Antwerp announces candidates for NextGen District
(Posted on 09/06/21)
Last October, Port of Antwerp launched the first round of a market consultation for the NextGen District, the former General Motors site in the port area. As a result of this consultation, the port is starting conversations with the first concessionaire candidates that meet the criteria for making the 88-hectare site a hotspot for circular economy. The second round of the consultation starts on 10 June 2021. This second round aims to attract innovative players in the circular process and construction industry that are contributing to the transition to a climate-neutral society.
The NextGen District at the port of Antwerp, the 88-hectare former General Motors site, will be transformed into a hotspot for the circular economy. Here, ‘end-of-life products’ will be given a second or third life, circular carbon solutions will be researched, and experiments with renewable energy will be conducted. Port of Antwerp consciously chose to reserve this large area close to Europe's largest chemical cluster for the circular economy in order that it might contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral society. A market consultation was launched in October 2020 to attract national and international investors, the first round of which is now complete. As a result of this, conversations have begun with a number of candidates that meet the predetermined criteria, with the aim of granting a concession.
In a statement, the Port of Antwerp said, “The candidates are all pioneers in the field of circularity. Let us introduce a few of them now:
The first is Biondoil, a pioneer in the development of 2nd-generation biofuels and biochemicals, which wants to locate a refinery on the NextGen site.
Laupat Industries converts car tyre waste into new raw materials, such as green oil, steel and hydrogen. The process is CO2-free and energy-neutral. The CO2-free and energy-neutral project thus achieves a material valorisation of at least 95%.
Novali is another candidate for a spot on the site. The company is developing and manufacturing the next generation of lithium batteries for the automotive industry and stationary energy storage.
Another candidate is Triple Helix’ Molecules as a Service (THX MaaS). Their project, SurePUre, is a pilot factory for the recycling of polyurethane foam and PET dishes, which are converted into polyols.
In the coming weeks, talks will be held with all the candidates, in which the companies concerned must elaborate further upon their case. Alongside feasibility, the projects will also be assessed for future-proofing, innovative value, climate impact and versatility for a final decision.”
Latest News
Peel Ports to invest £100m to expand national steel and metals multimodal hub
(Posted on 15/09/25)The UK’s second largest port operator is progressing with £32m to add a further 140,000... Read more
Jobs and investment boost for UK’s largest steel-handling port
(Posted on 14/09/25)The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan and Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca... Read more
Karachi Terminals major dredging agreement to double bulk vessel capacity
(Posted on 09/09/25)AD Ports Group, a leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry, has announced the signing... Read more
Long An Port signs agreements with ports of Portland and Gothenburg
(Posted on 08/09/25)During the Tay Ninh E-Commerce and Export-Import Supply Chain Networking Forum 2025, Long An International... Read more
Sohar tracks shipment reflects accelerated construction of Oman–UAE railway
(Posted on 01/09/25)In a step that reflects the accelerated construction of the Oman–UAE Railway Network, Hafeet Rail... Read more
Peel Ports joins Aluminium Federation to boost sector capabilities
(Posted on 01/09/25)Peel Ports Group has underlined its commitment to supporting UK aluminium and metals supply chains by... Read more
Fednav’s Arctic experience to bring year-round shipping from Port of Churchill
(Posted on 25/08/25)Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) and Fednav Limited (Fednav) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding... Read more
Upgrade is game-changer for Port of Oshawa
(Posted on 15/08/25)Thanks to a suite of recent upgrades, vessels can now access the Port of Oshawa, Canada, 24/7, giving... Read more
Record-breaking bulker retires after three decades serving Liverpool
(Posted on 14/08/25)The Port of Liverpool has bid farewell to its longest-serving vessel, the Yeoman Bank, after it made... Read more
AD Ports Group opens Islamabad office, expanding presence in Pakistan
(Posted on 11/08/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry, has officially... Read more
