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
Antwerp-Bruges stands firm as geopolitical forces reshape trade flows
(Posted on 16/07/26)In the first half of 2026, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 133.9 million tonnes of maritime cargo, a... Read more
PD Ports announce Paul Foreman as new CEO
(Posted on 16/07/26)PD Ports, one of the UK’s major port and logistics businesses, announced today that Paul Foreman... Read more
New San Diego bulk sugar import facility to use only electric trucks
(Posted on 03/07/26)The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved an Option to Lease Agreement and authorised... Read more
Expanded partnership through bulk infrastructure development at Khalifa Port
(Posted on 30/06/26)AD Ports Group, an Abu Dhabi based, leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more
Port of Hamburg strengthens partnership with China
(Posted on 29/06/26)The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and SPG Qingdao Port Group have signed a Port Partnership Agreement... Read more
Contract awarded for Pilbara Ports Zone 5 Bypass Channel
(Posted on 29/06/26)The Cook Labor Government in Australia has welcomed the award of a dredging contract to Jan De Nul ... Read more
Netherlands Parliamentary rules out Maasvlakte II as location for new nuclear power plants
(Posted on 29/06/26)A parliamentary letter in the Netherlands on the selection of a site for the construction of two new... Read more
SSAB’s port operations in Raahe develop safety together with ESL Shipping
(Posted on 25/06/26)The long-term safety cooperation between ESL Shipping and the port of SSAB’s Raahe site is visible... Read more
Liverpool sees 200% rise in fertiliser imports interest amid ongoing uncertainty
(Posted on 22/06/26)The Port of Liverpool is experiencing a surge in demand from fertiliser importers as continued uncertainty... Read more
PD Ports strengthens Teesport bulk handling with £5.4m crane investment
(Posted on 18/06/26)PD Ports has further strengthened its bulk handling capability at Teesport with the arrival of... Read more
