CONCEPT
On Friday 16 May 2025, in cooperation with Blue Gate Antwerp, the Government of Flanders and Bopro, a hosted site visit showcased the transformation of the former Petroleum South site into a pioneering eco-effective business park.
The event highlighted how a once heavily polluted industrial zone is becoming a climate-neutral hub for the sustainable and circular economy, featuring innovative infrastructure, green ambitions, and integrated water management. It formed part of a broader effort to demonstrate how urban redevelopment can advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Venue
Programme
Opening Words
Dimitri Torfs, Director Sales of Bopro, opened the day at Plein Publiek – a vibrant circular economy hub connecting citizens, businesses, and governments around sustainable solutions.
Exploring the Logistic Cluster at the Quay
Participants toured Blue Gate Antwerp, once Petroleum Zuid, the heart of Antwerp’s petroleum industry, now a model of sustainable urban redevelopment. Guided by Dimitri Torfs, the visit highlighted innovations in circular economy, smart mobility, and climate resilience:
- Site remediation by DEME Environmental Contractors ( DEC), tackling one of their most complex projects.
- Logistics cluster with Amazon, Montea, and DHL Express; Amazon’s energy-autonomous, gas-free centre powered by solar and a heat network; DHL’s low-emission cargo bike deliveries.
- Circular construction by BMB Bouwmaterialen, including bike-based deliveries.
- Heritage integration with restored pipelines, repurposed railway lines into bike paths, and a protected cement-plastered building.
- Smart mobility solutions such as shared bikes, autonomous shuttles, and mobility scans to balance car and public transport use.
The Green Corridor manages rainwater sustainably and links the site to Hobokense Polder, Nieuw Zuid, and the future Maritime Campus, creating ecological and recreational connections.
Lunch
Participants enjoyed a lunch prepared by Plein Publiek’s catering
Ecological Integration and the Green Corridor
Danny Jonckheere, Chair of the Hobokense Polder ( Natuurpunt), gave an on-site presentation. He explained how Blue Gate Antwerp combines urban development with nature. Adjacent to the site, the 170-hectare Hobokense Polder nature reserve hosts wetlands, grasslands, forests, and over 500 plant species. Within the site, the Green Corridor manages rainwater through open channels and underground pipes, reducing the need for individual tanks. This blend of smart infrastructure and environmental ambition sets a benchmark for climate-resilient, nature-inclusive city planning.
Accelerating Sustainable Chemical Solutions
Participants explored BlueApp under the guidance of Janne Spanoghe. This pre-incubator, linked to the University of Antwerp, supports early-stage ideas in sustainable chemistry and materials. It offers advanced lab facilities, pilot infrastructure, and academic expertise to help innovations grow to a level that attracts investors or industrial partners.
Participants visited BlueChem with guidance from Britt De Sutter. As Belgium’s first incubator dedicated to sustainable chemistry, it focuses on start-ups and scale-ups ready for market expansion. Located in the Blue Gate Antwerp business park, it provides office and lab space and connects innovators with a strong network of industrial and academic partners.
Networking Reception
The day concluded with an informal networking, allowing participants to exchange reflections and strengthen connections in a relaxed setting. We thank the speakers, guides, and all participants for their valuable contributions to making the visit a success.
Interested in the presentation? Access the slides here.
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