Strong container throughput drives Port of Antwerp-Bruges growth despite challenging market conditions

Strong container throughput drives Port of Antwerp-Bruges growth despite challenging market conditions


After nine months, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges reported a total throughput of 210.5 million tonnes, marking a 3 percent increase compared to the same period last year and stabilising against the second quarter of 2024. While demand for container transport remained robust, ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties affected other cargo types. Despite these challenges, the port continues to invest in sustainable and innovative projects aimed at advancing energy transition and industrial growth.

Container throughput in tonnage rose by 8.9 percent, with imports increasing by 10.2 percent and exports by 7.9 percent. This growth extended into the third quarter, where a 12.3 percent rise in containers was noted compared to the same quarter last year. Over the first nine months of 2024, the port handled 10,152,000 TEUs, reflecting a 6.8 percent overall increase. Additionally, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges strengthened its market share in container handling within the Hamburg-Le Havre range, reaching 30.7 percent, a rise of 0.8 percentage points from 2023.

The port maintained its strong position in the reefer container segment, with full reefer containers growing by 9.7 percent in the first nine months, making up 8.5 percent of total container throughput. The port’s strategic location, swift maritime links, and specialised terminals have been pivotal in its success in handling temperature-controlled goods like pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, and chemicals.

However, there were declines in conventional general cargo, which fell by 4.8 percent, and roll-on/roll-off traffic, which dropped by 5.5 percent due to decreased imports of transport equipment and a reduction in car shipments. Dry bulk throughput saw a marginal decline of 1.4 percent, largely attributed to a sharp decrease in coal handling. Despite this, dry bulk excluding energy products grew by 9.5 percent, with fertilisers showing notable growth at 30.6 percent. Liquid bulk volumes also dipped by 2.5 percent, with liquid fuel and LNG volumes declining. However, LPG, fuel oil, and biofuels showed growth, with the latter surging by 52.5 percent.

Zeebrugge’s cruise business also saw an increase, welcoming 412,774 cruise passengers (+17.5 percent) across 143 ships in the first nine months of 2024.

In terms of sustainability and innovation, the port remains focused on advancing its energy transition initiatives. Recent projects include the expansion of Zuidnatie with a new steel coil processing warehouse and Lineage’s acquisition of Luik Natie, reinforcing the port’s role in specialist segments. Investments in sustainable projects, such as Vioneo’s fossil-free plastics production and Indaver’s Plastics-to-Chemicals initiative, further highlight the port’s commitment to circular economy solutions. Additionally, the port is strengthening its infrastructure with a public electric truck charging hub in Antwerp and laying foundations for a truck park with charging facilities in Zeebrugge. The CHERISH2O project, aimed at purifying and reusing industrial wastewater, also supports the port’s development as a circular hub.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, stated, “Despite the complex times with geopolitical tensions, rising energy prices, and global competition, we are stabilising our growth, thanks to our strong container handling position. Along with our partners, we continue to build a future-proof port where innovation supports sustainability and economic growth.”

For more information visit www.portofantwerpbruges.com

22 October 2024