Plizio Visual Lab

ArcelorMittal Ghent

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ghent, originally known as Sidmar, is one of the most modern and efficient integrated steelmaking sites in the world. Strategically located along the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, it covers an area of approximately 800 hectares across the municipalities of Zelzate and Ghent. The plant produces several million tonnes of flat steel annually, primarily used in the automotive industry, construction, and household appliances sectors. ArcelorMittal Ghent is a pioneer in developing green technologies, such as the Steelanol project, which uses microorganisms to convert blast furnace gases into sustainable ethanol. With around 5,000 direct employees, the plant is an indispensable economic engine for the Flanders region. The integrated production covers the entire process, from blast furnaces and steelmaking to cold rolling mills and galvanizing lines. Through continuous investments in digitalization and decarbonization, the site aims to achieve carbon-neutral steel production by the year 2050.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Speybank · Sint-Petrus en Pauluskerk · Sint-Barbarakerk
Nearby: Evergem (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	3	3	6	10	13	16	18	18	15	11	7	4
Rain mm	69	60	55	38	59	64	76	81	57	67	73	79

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This massive steelworks ranks among the most efficient and advanced integrated production facilities in all of Europe. It serves as a central economic engine for the Port of Ghent and significantly shapes the modern industrial landscape of Flanders.

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Visiting

For very strict safety reasons, the sprawling factory grounds are absolutely inaccessible to unannounced tourists and general passersby. Factory tours are exceedingly rare and typically only possible for specialized professional groups or during distinct industrial events.

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Where to view it

The truly gigantic dimensions of the facility can best be appreciated from the public roads and bridges along the canal banks in Zelzate. After dark, the spectacular and intense industrial lighting of the plant provides a genuinely imposing photographic opportunity.

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Local products

As this is exclusively a heavy industry site, there are naturally no steel-related consumer products available for purchase on location. Travelers will, however, easily find a wide variety of typical Flemish culinary offerings in the surrounding port towns.

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Active season

The continuous operation of the steelworks runs completely year-round in constant shifts, meaning smoking chimneys and movement are always visible. The visual impact of the massive facility is often most impressive and dramatic during clear, exceptionally cold winter nights.

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Nearby

The stark industrial panorama forms a powerful contrast to the historical center of the city of Ghent, located just a short drive away. Exploring the beautifully preserved medieval city center of Ghent perfectly complements any visit to the modern port region.

Geography

Coordinates

51.15500, 3.78500

Facts

The plant was founded in 1962 under the name Sidmar.
It currently employs approximately 5,000 direct workers in the region.
The annual production capacity is around 5 million tonnes of crude steel.
The industrial site covers a vast area of approximately 800 hectares.
It hosts the world's first plant to convert industrial waste gases into ethanol (Steelanol).
The site utilizes the Port of Ghent for importing iron ore and coal.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

North Sea Port Ghent2 km · WExplore →

Evergem Port Zone5 km · SWExplore →

Evergem7 km · SWExplore →

Lochristi9 km · SEExplore →

Gravensteen12 km · SExplore →

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen12 km · SWExplore →

Flemish Valley13 km · SWExplore →

Saint Peter's Abbey13 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town ArcelorMittal Ghent (7)

Speybank

Sculpture by Luc Deleu in Ghent, Belgium, a modern artwork in public space.

Sint-Petrus en Pauluskerk

Church in Doornzele, Belgium, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.

Sint-Barbarakerk⛪ church

Church in Belgium, named after Saint Barbara, patron saint of miners.

Doornzelemolen🏛 museum

Windmill in Doornzele, Belgium, now open as a museum.

Sint-Baafskerk

Belgian building, a church in the Ghent area.

Heilig Kruiskerk

Church in Sint-Kruis-Winkel, Belgium, dedicated to the Holy Cross congregation.

Moervaartvallei

Nature reserve in Belgium, wetland along the Moervaart river.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is ArcelorMittal Gent?

One of the world's most modern and efficient steel works directly in the Port of Ghent.

Can you visit the plant?

Tours are occasionally offered for groups and professional visitors, but pre-registration is mandatory.

What products are manufactured here?

Mainly high-quality flat steel for the automotive industry and construction.

How sustainable is the production?

The plant invests heavily in new technologies for CO2 reduction and hydrogen use.

Is the plant visible from the water?

Yes, during a boat tour of Ghent port, you have an impressive view of the massive blast furnaces.

ArcelorMittal Ghent: where is it located?

ArcelorMittal Ghent is located in Belgium.

ArcelorMittal Ghent: what is there to see?

Highlights include Speybank, Sint-Petrus en Pauluskerk, Sint-Barbarakerk.

ArcelorMittal Ghent: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

ArcelorMittal Ghent: why is it worth visiting?

The ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ghent, originally known as Sidmar, is one of the most modern and efficient integrated steelmaking sites in the world.

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