First Part of Scheldt Tunnel Leaves Zeebrugge for Antwerp: "World Watches Delicate Operation"

The first tunnel section of the new Scheldt tunnel in Antwerp left the construction dock in Zeebrugge this morning. One element is 160 metres long and weighs 60,000 tonnes. Flemish Minister of Public Works and Ports Annick De Ridder (N-VA) speaks of a historic moment that the world is watching. "It is unprecedented that such gigantic concrete elements are being towed across the North Sea and Scheldt to Antwerp."

A first giant tunnel section for the Scheldt tunnel in Antwerp has left the construction dock in Zeebrugge. It is the start of a technical and logistical operation that has been prepared for years.

After years of construction, the first of eight tunnel elements of the future Scheldt tunnel will be towed from the construction dock in Zeebrugge to Antwerp on Friday. We explain exactly what happens and provide tips for those who want to see the concrete monster sail by up close.