- Since 2 March 2026 EcoWerf ships 10,000 t/yr of PMD via the inland vessel Zulu (13 containers, 91,000 kg per sailing), running 2–3 sailings/week and ≥116 return trips/yr, replacing ~2,320 road journeys and cutting CO₂ by ~127 t/yr.
- EcoWerf installed a Husmann press that reduces PMD volume by two‑thirds (92 m³ loose → 30 m³/container); a 51 m catamaran with custom container gangway and guidance system carries the loads on an 8‑hour route to Willebroek.
- Finance and infrastructure: De Vlaamse Waterweg is investing €1,716,090 (excl. VAT), €1,400,060 has been invested in the PMD project, annual vessel/skipper costs €500,000, quay extension +77 m and 1.4 ha water‑linked land secured; concession awarded 2024; target to shift half of collected waste to waterways and cut CO₂ by 40.3% vs 2019 by 2030.
Project launch and scope
Presented 2 April 2026, the 'PMD by water' operation has shipped PMD by inland vessel since 2 March 2026, covering 80% of EcoWerf and Interrand collection; the Zulu (Blue Line Logistics) carries 13 containers (≈91,000 kg per sailing) 2–3 times/week, totalling ~10,000 t/yr, replacing ~2,320 road trips and reducing CO₂ by ~127 t/yr; EcoWerf aims to shift half of collected waste to waterways and cut CO₂ emissions 40.3% vs 2019 by 2030.
Logistics and equipment
EcoWerf installed a Husmann press that compacts PMD from 92 m³ loose to 30 m³ per container; containers and the 51 m catamaran were adapted (moved gangway, guidance system) for accurate loading; transit to Willebroek takes ~8 hours via Leuven–Mechelen Canal, Zennegat/Rupel and Brussels–Charleroi Canal; Revabo handles quay operations and Indaver Logistics provides short onward transport, enabling off‑peak unloading and reduced waiting times.
Sorting and recycling
Indaver's Willebroek sorting installation separates PMD into 15 material fractions using mechanical and optical techniques; recovered fractions are further recycled, with about 75% processed in Belgium.
Infrastructure and costs
De Vlaamse Waterweg awarded the quay concession in 2024 and is extending the unloading quay by 77 m; the project secured 1.4 ha of water‑linked land and plans a transhipment hall; investments include €1,716,090 (De Vlaamse Waterweg excl. VAT), €1,400,060 already invested in the PMD project, and annual vessel/skipper costs of €500,000.
