Epiroc powers precision demolition under extreme water conditions at Antwerp’s Europa Terminal

At Antwerp’s Europa Terminal, one of Europe’s most ambitious marine engineering projects is underway: the construction of a new quay wall. Equally complex is the dismantling of the existing structure – a task entrusted to Adex Groep from Harderwijk, Netherlands. To tackle this challenge, Adex Groep engineered a unique solution: a self-leveling pontoon equipped with a 320-ton demolition crane, aptly named Genius.

The old quay wall stretches 1,200 meters and rests on 49 massive concrete caissons, each 30 meters in diameter and height, most of which are submerged. “These caissons, filled with sand and reinforced with grout, must all be removed because they obstruct the new quay wall,” explains Davy Kies, Head of Technical Services at Adex Groep.

 

Operating in the Westerschelde estuary, where tidal differences reach six meters, adds complexity. To counter this, Adex Groep adapted nearly all equipment: extended booms, elongated spud poles, and a fully modernized pontoon featuring an automatic leveling system that continuously monitors and adjusts load distribution via pressure sensors.

Central to this operation is the Epiroc HB 7000 hydraulic breaker, supplied by SAES International B.V., Epiroc’s partner for the Netherlands and Belgium. Configured specifically for underwater work, the HB 7000 operates at depths of up to 24 meters—a capability rarely seen in industry. Complementing this is a concrete shear mounted on the customized “Genius” crane, capable of removing reinforced concrete blocks up to one cubic meter in size.

The Genius crane itself is a showpiece of circular construction, built largely from reused materials. “With two joysticks, we cut or vibrate up to 1,000 tons of concrete per day from the old quay wall,” says Willem van de Nagel, operator and co-developer of the crane. “After we remove about six meters of height from each caisson, another pontoon-mounted crane clears the debris. Three hours of demolition gives them a full day of cleanup.”

Demolition reaches 30 meters below TAW (Belgium’s reference level), requiring advanced positioning technology. CT Systems’ GPS and laser setup provides live data and correct parameters for every attachment, ensuring accuracy at depth.

SAES plays a critical role as a trusted partner for hammers, spare parts, and technical support. “Hydraulic breakers are powerful but underwater work can be sensitive,” notes Kies. “SAES understands the complexity of our projects and ensures immediate action when needed. If a breaker fails, they always have a replacement ready.” Van de Nagel emphasizes: “Working 24 meters underwater with heavy demolition tools is only possible through precision engineering and trusted partnerships.”

 

Since its start in August 2023, Adex Groep has made remarkable progress in Antwerp’s port, overcoming a challenging launch phase and mobilizing specialized equipment at scale. The result: an operation that sets new standards in technical, logistical, and organizational excellence for marine construction.