At the end of the 19th century, improving access to the Scheldt was essential for the growth of the Port of Antwerp. In 1896, this resulted in a large-scale project to renew and reinforce the riverbanks.

To the south, new quays stretching nearly two kilometers were constructed. This was a unique partnership, bringing together government bodies, engineers, and expert contractors for an ambitious undertaking. It ranked among the boldest quay wall projects of the era, pushing all those who worked on it to their limits.

Hendrik Willem Ackermans and Nicolaas van Haaren were closely involved throughout the project, contributing their dredging and hydraulic engineering expertise. The works progressed under challenging conditions, from difficult subsoil to strong tidal forces and unpredictable weather.

Suction dredgers such as Schelde II supported both the construction and stabilization of the new quay walls.

In August 1903, the new southern quays were inaugurated and became a key access route to the growing Petroleum Zuid industrial area, a new lifeline for the port, built on years of craftsmanship, perseverance, and technical ingenuity. In the years that followed, the new quay area continued to grow and change, keeping pace with the rhythm of a port in full expansion.