The permitted draught on the Western Scheldt was 15.56 metres for a long time. However, as container ships became larger and carried more containers, it became clear that a greater maximum draught was required. Since spring 2021, a series of trial runs have therefore been carried out in the area, with each vessel having a greater draught than the previous one. Preparations for this began back in 2019.



In February 2021, MSC Regulus broke the first record with a draught of 15.70 metres. In July the following year, the MSC Diletta was able to sail into the Port of Antwerp-Bruges with a draught of 15.90 metres. In October 2023, MSC Tessa broke the set record of 16 metres. As recently as April this year, this vessel was the largest ever to enter the port of Antwerp, but was less heavily loaded at the time.

The Flemish and Dutch Pilotage, shipping company MSC, the Joint Nautical Authority, the Vessel Traffic Services and Port of Antwerp-Bruges therefore want to duplicate that record on 9 November. To that end, MSC Raya will take on ballast en route so that it will have a draught of 16 metres at lift-off. Ships with such cargo capacity will be able to be received at the Deurganck dock from now on.