implementation
On 2 May 2024, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB) published the guidelines for the selection of candidates for the Innovation Partnership ‘Innovative treatment techniques for PFAS-contaminated drainage water’. Interested companies were able to submit their applications until 7 June 2024.
The innovation partnership provides for three research and development phases and a framework agreement for the commercial procurement of treatment services. The R&D component of the innovation partnership consists of three phases:
- lab-scale validation using representative wastewater composition (max. 10 companies);
- pilot-scale treatment using actual drainage water (max. 5 companies);
- full-scale engineering (max. 4 companies).
A maximum of three innovation partners who have successfully completed the R&D phases may be admitted to the framework agreement.
The first phase commenced in February 2025 with nine applicants: Deme Environmental NV, Gent Dredging NV, Denys NV (TM DENTEC), Azulatis NV, Mourik NV, Sodecon BV, NUORO BV, WATERLEAU GROUP NV and Envison NV. Based on the results of this first phase and an updated work plan for phase 2, three innovation partners were admitted to phase 2 of the innovation partnership in January 2026: Denys NV (TM DENTEC), Mourik NV and WATERLEAU GROUP NV. This pilot phase is scheduled to be completed in Q4 of 2026.