Growth for Port of Antwerp

In the first six months of the year the volume of liquid bulk handled by the Port of Antwerp stood at 36,043,593 tonnes, up 1.8%. Crude oil and chemicals also did well, up by 34% and 1% respectively. Oil derivatives on the other hand were at the same level compared with the same period last year, down by just 0.5%.

The port also handled 111,385,518 tonnes of freight during the first six months of this year, 2.8% more than in the same period last year. Container freight once more performed well after a number of exceptional years, with an increase of 2.5% in terms of tonnage and 1.9% in TEU.

Port Authority CEO, Jacques Vandermeiren said: “In 2016 Antwerp was one of the few ports in the Hamburg-Le Havre range to achieve growth figures. If after that we can once more produce a positive report then we have every reason for satisfaction.

“We have to look ahead; these volumes also demonstrate the need for additional container capacity in the port of Antwerp. We will do everything necessary to give the port companies the oxygen that they need in order to prosper. Our companies create employment, not only within the port itself but also far beyond. We have to keep supplying this engine of employment in Flanders.”

For more information visit www.portofantwerp.com

25th July 2017