Industrial spaces offering vast possibilities

Petroleum South was once the heart of Antwerp’s petroleum industry. Today, this remediated site is ready for a new chapter: Blue Gate Antwerp, a leading public-private project that is taking the future into its own hands. This climate-neutral business park is reserved for innovative companies with a clear ambition: to grow linearly through circular operations. 

Clusters:

• Sustainable chemistry
• Renewable energy
• City logistics
• Circular economy
• Companies on site: DHL, Amazon, Van Moer Logistics, Bexco, BlueChem, BlueApp. 

With metalworks and the Cockerill Shipyard, the Scheldeboord industrial zone has a long and eventful socio-economic history. The 130-hectare site has slowly transformed from old to new industry. Today, it’s home to various high-tech and innovative global players. It’s where Umicore recycles precious metals, Engie Fabricom produces drilling platforms and crackers for the petrochemical industry, and Smulders Projects makes heavy steel structures such as pylons for windmills. And it’s no coincidence: these businesses can use the Scheldt River to transport their large, heavy constructions.  

This area extends over three islands. It lies at the junction of city and port, surrounded by green and blue veins, industry and urban buzz. This unique combination ensures that the area retains a vibrant urban character, while still being able to rely on the gigantic port platform and all its innovations. Urban manufacturing, smart city logistics, port-related services, testing and makerspaces: they all have found opportunities here.

Clusters:

• Urban manufacturing
• Smart city logistics 
• Port-related services 
• Testing and makerspaces
• Companies on site: CMB, Hydrex, DSV, DHL, BPost, CargoVelo, City Depot, Talenco 

Antwerp’s second largest business park extends across both sides of the Albert Canal, stretching from the city to the port. The 200-hectare zone is part of the Economisch Netwerk Albertkanaal (‘the Albert Canal Economic Network’ in English). The network brings together 25 Flemish municipalities that border the Albert Canal and are in close proximity to the E313 motorway. Various companies have transferred to the business park, finding it a better location for their activities. C

• Companies on site: Aveve, Dossche Mills, Paniflower, Manna Foods, Holcim, Promubat, Van Pelt, Willemen Infra Beton, Fluvius, Elia, Gosselin Logistics 

Innovators in the process and manufacturing industry bring their vision to life in the NextGen District. They design, develop, and implement projects that stimulate the circular economy and offer real change. NextGen District is a hub where pioneers have the space to grow. Here, they are connected to a network where they exchange ideas and share resources. Think of it as a hotspot, bubbling with ideas to disrupt traditional industry, while benefiting from the same infrastructure, skilled workforce and world-class logistics services. NextGen District is the ground on which innovation is built. Whether giving a second (or third) life to waste, exploring circular carbon solutions, or experimenting with renewable energy, NextGen District is there for those who are ready to make a difference. 

Clusters:

• Circular economy
• CO2 an H2
• Bio-based activities
• Mechanical and chemical recycling
• Energy transition
• Companies on site: Triple Helix, Bolder Industries 

This area lies on both sides of the A12/Boomsesteenweg in Wilrijk. The 175-hectare area is home to national and international companies of various sizes: small company units, huge logistics undertakings and Seveso operations. A number of companies, such as Coca-Cola, have large visitor centres. Others have set up showrooms for their professional clients. PLans to reorganise sites within the zone are being prepared. Together with inter-municipal waste disposal service ISVAG, we have developed a district heating network.

• Companies on site: Ikea, Mediamarkt, Atlas Copco, Volvo, Van Mossel