Last weekend, Jan De Nul Group completed the installation of the eighth and final tunnel element of the Scheldt Tunnel beneath the River Scheldt in Antwerp. The operation marks a decisive milestone for the Oosterweel Link, one of Belgium’s largest infrastructure projects, designed to close the Antwerp ring road and ease chronic congestion.

The Scheldt Tunnel is not a routine civil works project. Each tunnel element weighs tens of thousands of tonnes and must be positioned with millimetre precision in a tidal river that remains open to commercial shipping. The final immersion brings years of planning, marine engineering, and logistics coordination to a critical turning point.

Precision marine operations under pressure

According to Jan De Nul Group, the installation required a carefully choreographed sequence of dredging, towing, ballasting, and immersion, executed within narrow weather and tidal windows. Colleagues Jeffrey and Koen, directly involved in the works, emphasised that the societal impact was never far from mind. “The importance of this project for society is huge,” they noted, pointing to improved safety, smoother traffic flows, and a better living environment for residents.

From a maritime perspective, the operation resembled a large scale offshore installation campaign more than a traditional urban construction job. How often does a city centre become a controlled marine worksite, with heavy lift vessels, pontoons, and survey teams operating around the clock?

Collaboration across disciplines and companies

The milestone was delivered through close collaboration within TM COTU, bringing together BESIX STADSBADER CONTRACTORS NV, DEME Group, IMMONTEC, and client Lantis. For project cargo and heavy lift professionals, the tunnel immersion highlights the growing overlap between offshore expertise and inland infrastructure delivery.

With the final element now in place, the focus shifts to internal outfitting, connections, and systems integration. For Antwerp, the physical link under the Scheldt is complete today.

Source: Breakbulk News