The total container throughput of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges reached 10.15 million TEUs in the first nine months of the year, translating to a 6.8% year-on-year growth. It is important to note that nearly one in 10 of the containers handled by the Belgian port is a reefer box. In the first nine months of 2024, the number of full reefers increased by 9.7%, accounting for 8.5% of total container throughput.
“Demand for container transport remains strong, while the ongoing geopolitical and economic instability impacts other cargo types,” said the Port in a statement.
In the first nine months of the year, conventional general cargo throughput fell by 4.8%, iron and steel decreased slightly by 0.6% and roll-on/roll-off traffic dropped by 5.5%.
Meanwhile, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges saw a total throughput of 210.5 million tonnes in the January-September period, representing an increase of 3% compared to the same period last year.
Additionally, the throughput of dry bulk fell by 1.4%, mainly due to a sharp drop in the throughput of coal (-55.3%). Liquid bulk throughput also dropped by 2.5% after nine months, due to lower volumes of liquid fuels and LNG.
Furthermore, 15,015 ocean-going vessels called at the Belgian port in the first nine months of 2024, translating to a 2% decline, while the gross tonnage of these vessels fell by 4.8% to 472.45 million GT.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, commented, “Despite the complex times in which we operate, with geopolitical tensions, rising energy prices and global competition, we are stabilising our growth, thanks in part to our strong position in container handling. Sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, cyberattacks and other challenges are forcing us to remain flexible and resilient. Along with our partners, we are continuing to build a future-proof port where innovation supports both sustainability and economic growth. Investments like those of Vioneo and Indaver reflect confidence in our port and the future of European industry.”
