The Port of Antwerp has enjoyed a strong second quarter, during which it handled a peak container volume of over 1 million TEU.
Overall, during the first six months of 2018, the port authority has reported a 6.5% increase in the amount of freight handled, the total amounting to 118,648,143 tonnes.
In addition to this, trade with Europe increased by 14.2%, compared to a rise of 10.3% with North America.
Growth was also experienced on all other trade routes despite geopolitical tensions, both in terms of imports and exports.
One of the key factors influencing these positive results for the Port of Antwerp could be the rapid growth of container freight, which was boosted by 8.2% in the first six months of 2018, when compared to the first half of 2017.
Matthew Gore provides a container market review for 2017 in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Jacques Vandermeiren, Port Authority CEO, commented: “The growth figures confirm our role as a leading world player and demonstrate the continuing attractiveness of the port.
“But they also confirm the previous forecasts that we will soon reach our maximum container capacity.
“During the past period we have well exceeded the optimum utilisation level for the terminals below the locks, which can have a negative impact on efficiency.”
Marc Van Peel, Port Alderman, added: “Everybody stands to gain from a solution that will enable us to achieve the desired sustainable growth for our port.
“In this connection mobility is a constant concern for the Port Authority, to which it gives highest priority, and it goes without saying that we are prepared to take the right series of measures with all stakeholders.”
