Terminal operators Deurganckdock plant trees together

The largest terminal operators in the port of Antwerp are once again joining forces for the environment. On Sunday, November 24, DP World Antwerp, PSA Antwerp and MPET jointly planted 1,250m² of a new urban fringe forest in the south of Antwerp city. The trees were planted in collaboration with Natuurpunt and numerous volunteers, including the own employees of the port companies.

COO DP World Antwerp Tom Mortelmans, Wim Annaert from Natuurpunt and Manager Environment ATS Ronny Deroef

Go Green initiative

This initiative is part of the worldwide "Go Green" campaign, started in 2015, in which the largest players in the port industry are represented; DP World, PSA International, Hutchison Port Group, Port of Rotterdam Authority & Shanghai International Port Group. Throughout the world, including in Antwerp, joint initiatives are being set up with one goal: to create awareness within the container handling industry to make the sector greener.

The largest terminal operators in the port of Antwerp (DP World Antwerp, PSA Antwerp & MPET) join forces every year to support this global initiative. “As major players, we believe it is our duty to continue to devote attention and resources to reducing emissions, stimulating recycling and reducing waste. We trust that our joint efforts will also be an incentive for the other actors in the sector to contribute to a more sustainable and green planet," said the terminal operators.

Action 2019: Natuurpunt "Forest for everyone"

Within the Go Green promotion 2019, DP World, PSA Antwerp and MPET opted for Natuurpunt, the largest Belgian nature conservation organization. With the "Forest for Everyone" campaign, Natuurpunt is investing in new, accessible forests in Flanders. With 11%, our region is the least forested region in Europe. However, forests play an important role in terms of air quality, renewable energy, temperature control and recreation. Enough reasons for Natuurpunt to purchase extra land and to forestate it together with governments, midfield, families and businesses. DP World, PSA Antwerp and MPET are committed to planting 1,250 m², or 416 trees, in the Edegemse Beekvallei, on the southern outskirts of Antwerp. In total a climate forest of more than six hectares was created.

“There is really a shortage of forest in Flanders, while forest is so important for humans and animals. We are therefore pleased that companies are committed to helping create more forests in Flanders," says Lieven De Schamphelaere, chairman of Natuurpunt.