The Netherlands'council of state yesterday overturned a stay of commencing work of dredging the part of the River Scheldt that is within the Netherlands'borders.

Under the original terms of the Scheldt Treaties, signed by the Netherlands and Belgium, the dredging of the Dutch part of the western Scheldt was due to have been completed by the end of last year.

However, work has yet to begin because of Dutch environmental concerns, but the new judgement means that the Netherlands will now be obliged to fulfil its obligations.

A statement from Antwerp Port Authority said: "The decision by the Dutch Council of State confirms the view of the Port Authority that deepening of the navigation channel can be done without damage to the environment."

"In particular, the deepening work does not mean that reclaimed land will have to revert to flooding, contrary to what is frequently (but incorrectly) asserted."

"The Antwerp port community hopes that the good neighbourliness and mutual trust that until now were tested by the attitude of the Netherlands will once more be fully restored."

The dredging work is crucial to the long-term future of the Belgian port of Antwerp, located at the upper reaches of the river, and will see the depth of the river taken to 13.1 metres, allowing access to the port of some of the largest containerships, independent of tide.