Vertical expansion, greener ambitions: AET’s multilevel car park evolution

When, in August 2022, the first multi-storey car park became operational at Antwerp EuroTerminal (AET) – the largest multipurpose terminal in the Belgian port, fully owned by the Grimaldi Group – it marked a milestone in port logistics. This seven-level, 21-metre-high facility, with a total surface area of about 172,000 m² and room for over 9,000 cars, became the biggest single car park in Belgium and a turning point for car handling at Grimaldi’s main port hub in Northern Europe.

Building on this achievement, AET introduced Sections 2 and 3 of the multilevel car park in March 2025, significantly boosting terminal infrastructure and capacity. The expansion provided space for an additional 12,500 cars, bringing the total capacity of the facility to around 22,000 vehicles. These are accommodated across the seven floors of the building, adding an area of 367,000 m² built on just 55,000 m² of land.

The ground floor was designed with a higher ceiling (4.8 m) to accommodate taller vehicles and support value-added services. For enhanced safety, internal ramps are heated to prevent slippery conditions during icy or snowy weather. In addition, cross traffic is eliminated, enhancing operational efficiency and terminal safety.

Sustainable design and energy innovation

More than just a capacity upgrade, the construction and expansion of the multilevel car park embodies AET’s – and the Grimaldi Group’s – sustainability vision by building vertically rather than horizontally, thus preserving land and reducing environmental impact.

The roof of Section 1 is fitted with 8,300 solar panels generating 3.8 megawatts of clean electricity, used primarily to charge hybrid and electric vehicles. This initiative complements a broader portfolio of eco-conscious efforts at AET, including the installation of wind turbines, electric vehicle charging poles, battery energy storage systems, intelligent energy management, and the use of electric forklifts.

Other environmental measures include rainwater buffering and reuse for car washing and container cleaning, hydrogen-powered terminal equipment trials, and the upcoming shore power connection for seagoing vessels, scheduled to be operational in 2026.

Through these initiatives, AET continues to redefine standards for green logistics in Europe and beyond.