- Container Throughput Drives Growth Amid Economic Challenges.
- Mixed Sector Performance: Chemicals and Automotive Sectors Struggle.
- Sustainability Efforts Lead the Way for 2025 Port Developments.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is ending the year at 278 million tons, representing a 2.3% growth over total throughput in 2024. Among the strong, healthy growth in the port’s throughput was strong container throughput despite geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, reports Port of Antwerp Burges.
Container Throughput Leads Growth Amid Economic Challenges
Despite poor economic conditions characterized by high energy prices and geopolitics, the port reached a total throughput of 278 million tons in 2024, which is 2.3% higher than in 2023. Containers led this growth, as tonnage increased by 8.9% while TEUs rose by 8.1%. Reefer containers increased by 9.2%, making up 8.6% of total container traffic. The port also achieved market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre Range, increasing by 0.7 percentage points to 30.6% during the first nine months.
Sectoral Performance: Mixed Results in Challenging Conditions
Out of containers, other sectors faced heavy tests. Consequently, at its worst performance since 2009, the chemicals sector was pressured by high energy and raw material costs, while construction and automotive industries felt the pinch. Geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea meant longer transits and increased uncertainty. General cargo was steady at a conventional level, while iron and steel throughput increased by 3.7%. RoRo throughput fell by 3.4%, driven by a 10.3% fall in automotive traffic. Dry bulk increased by a slight 0.4%, fertilizer offsetting a sharp 35.4% fall in coal. Liquid bulk decreased by 5.8%, primarily due to a decrease in demand for diesel and LNG.
Port Developments and Sustainability Focus for 2025
The port made great strides toward the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 in 2024. Some of the initiatives include the NextGen District and NextGen Demo innovation hub and the CHERISH2O project, which is related to wastewater purification and reuse. For sustainability targets of the port, Warmtenet Antwerpen Noord becomes Belgium’s very first open-access heat network. Methanol Bunkering In the maritime sphere, the maiden methanol bunkering of the first deepsea vessel was significant. Shore Power Initiatives in the Port of Antwerp and Port of Zeebrugge. Moreover, the port built one of the biggest public charging stations for electric trucks in Europe and keeps on innovating with its fleet-what counts as the world’s first methanol-powered tug.
Infrastructure Developments Supporting Sustainability
The introduction of a 16-meter draught in 2024, in addition to a 16.3-meter draught at Zeebrugge, further strengthens the port’s competitive position. Ongoing infrastructure development includes the expansion of the ICO RoRo terminal in Zeebrugge and the construction of the new Antwerp Coordination Center, which aims to optimize the port’s nautical chain. These efforts, coupled with the successful roll-out of Certified Pick Up, have contributed to the port’s secure handling of over 1 million containers by 2024.
Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships for Future Growth
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “Over the past year, we have once again demonstrated our resilience. More than ever, the challenges we face, such as geopolitical tensions, the energy transition and complex permit processes, require cross-border cooperation and a shared vision. Only then will we remain attractive to investors and maintain our strategic role as a pioneer in the industry. In addition, the demand for additional capacity continues to grow louder, while security becomes an increasingly important issue. 2025 will undoubtedly be another year of challenges, but also of opportunities. With our unique mix of logistics, maritime and industry, and our strategic location, we are ready to prove our agility once again.”
Community Engagement and Local Infrastructure Investments
Johan Klaps, Port Alderman of the City of Antwerp: “We look back on 2024 with pride, but forward to 2025 with greater ambition. Our port is the economic engine of Flanders, even in challenging times. And we continue to gain market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre Range. This is due to the efforts of all the employees and companies who give their best every day, and for that, I am immensely grateful. To continue to grow sustainably and ensure our position as a world port, dossiers such as ECA are our top priority. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and strengthening our international position, we continue to invest in a future-proof port that creates prosperity for Flanders and far beyond.”
Dirk De Fauw, Mayor of the city of Bruges and Vice President of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “The complementarity of our port platforms has once again proven to offer great added value. We are also committed to community involvement, such as with the TV series ‘De Haven’ (The Port) and the future opening of Havenwereld (Port World), to bring the fascinating world of the port closer to the public. At the same time, we are investing in critical infrastructure, such as the renewal of Zweedse Kaai with shore power for cruise ships. I also look forward to the next steps in the NSZ (Nieuwe Sluis/New Lock Zeebrugge) project, which is essential to strengthen our position as a world port and future-proof capacity.”
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Source: Port of Antwerp Burges
