Large trucks and specialised vehicles are now permitted to drive on public roads in the Ghent section of the port. The new rules will enable these port vehicles to be used more safely. The Flemish Government has approved new port traffic regulations for this purpose.
Port vehicles are vehicles that are used exclusively in the port area for the handling and transport of goods, such as trailers, tugs, mobile harbour cranes and other specialised vehicles. Until now, these vehicles were not allowed to drive on public roads because they are too large, too heavy, too slow or specifically designed for use within the port area.
Under the new traffic regulations, these vehicles are now permitted to use public roads in the Ghent section of the port, subject to strict conditions. Most vehicles can also drive on a significant part of the R4 East ring road on the right bank, namely the section from the turbo roundabout (N424) at Euro-Silo to the Schansakker slip road complex at Volvo Trucks.
This offers more flexibility for the transport of goods and port operations such as the movement of port cranes. Port vehicles can move more quickly and easily within the port between different industrial estates, terminals and companies, storage facilities, hangars and warehouses, and loading and unloading quays. Logistics traffic becomes more efficient and safer.
The new traffic regulations replace the supplementary traffic regulations of the local authorities. Enforcement and monitoring of correct compliance with these new rules are in the hands of the police services and North Sea Port.
"The approval is the final step in a process that has created a clear framework for the use of port vehicles on public roads in the port of Ghent. In this way, we are contributing to smoother and safer traffic in the port, which not only supports the smooth operation of North Sea Port, but also the economic development of the whole of Flanders."
The approval of the port traffic regulations is the final step in an extensive process. According to the Flemish Port Decree, port companies such as North Sea Port develop the regulatory framework and scope of application. These are then thoroughly assessed by the Department of Mobility and Public Works and the Roads and Traffic Agency. Following approval of the regulatory framework on 17 May 2024, the Flemish Government definitively established the scope of application on 20 December 2024.
Several companies in North Sea Port have plans to import and store ammonia in Vlissingen and Terneuzen. North Sea Port, Smart Delta Resources and the Province of Zeeland therefore commissioned a study...
From early April, the Flanders Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV) will be carrying out work on the approaches to the Zelzate Tunnel. The work will be carried out at night and at weekends wherever possible...
North Sea Port and ProRail have adopted a joint rail logistics vision for the Dutch section of the port. With this vision, we are focusing specifically on further growth in rail freight transport and...
In April 2026, Rijkswaterstaat will carry out major maintenance work on the Vlaketunnel (A58) near Kapelle. To ensure this work is carried out safely and efficiently, the tunnel will be completely...
From mid-April until the end of this year, a significant amount of roadworks will be taking place around the Kluizendok in Ghent.