Brucargo: state-of-the-art infrastructure for Brussels Airport

An upgrade for Belgium’s top logistics hub for international trade.

Brussels Airport is, after the port of Antwerp, the second-largest logistical cluster of Belgium. At Brucargo, the cargo area of the national airport in Zaventem, more than one hundred different companies are present, importing and exporting goods from and to all corners of the world.

To further strengthen its position, Brussels Airport Company decided to invest massively in its infrastructure: EUR 100 million in ultramodern logistics buildings to be precise. And BESIX gave wing to this ambition.

BESIX ready for take-off

Early 2019, the BESIX team started the construction of a new logistics platform on the Brussels National Airport site. The €50 million project involved erecting warehouses with a total area of 50,000 m², plus 10,500 m² of office space.

The area dedicated to warehouse space, Brucargo West, is divided into three units, ranging between 10,000 and 25,000 m². There are also 88 loading and unloading docks, independent reception buildings, covered parking for 338 vehicles and a canopy measuring 6,400 m².

The offices are divided into three independent units, with areas of 2,598 m², 2,452 m² and 5,739 m². Besides the structural works, the contract covered performing the finishing works as well as, for example, installing the lifts.

Cargo travelling in business class

One of the key features at Brucargo West is that the handling buildings are directly adjacent to the air site. A true upgrade for logistical players, being able to load and unload goods directly from the tarmac.

Furthermore, the state-of-the-art infrastructure is specifically suited for the handling of high-quality and temperature-sensitive products. A strategic move to serve a number of key sectors in our country, such as the many large pharmaceutical companies.

Constructing on an airport site

The specific environment posed some challenges for the team, that had to take into account specific restrictions on the use of cranes and the supply of building materials.

However, the biggest challenge turned out to be the tight implementation deadline.

“After the contract was signed, we had eighteen months to realise the complex from A to Z, including all preparations, says Jeroen Goethals, Project Manager at Brucargo. Since then, a team of on average 200 people have been working to turn this feat into a successful conclusion.”

Successful it certainly was. Despite the corona crisis, the Brucargo project faced little delay. The positive, hands-on and forward-looking co-creation between all parties definitely contributed to that.

Take a look at the results below and watch the video to learn more about the project.