2023 was another challenging year for Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Geopolitical tensions and slowing global economic growth are driving down industrial production and trade flows. As a result, total throughput, which was 271 million tonnes of cargo in 2023, is down 5.5% from the previous year. Despite this difficult context, thanks to the added value of the merger, the market share of the container segment increased compared to the other ports in the Hamburg - Le Havre range. To ensure its strategic role as a world port in the future, sustainable growth remains a priority and a major investment programme is foreseen for the next 10 years.
Weak global economic growth and lower demand for commodities is weighing on global demand for container transport. For Port of Antwerp-Bruges, this corresponds to a decrease in container throughput of 6.3% in tonnes and 7.2% in TEUs, compared to 2022. In contrast, Port of Antwerp-Bruges' market share in the Hamburg - Le Havre range rose 0.6% points to 30.2% in 2023.
The throughput volumes of conventional break bulk have normalised, after a strong post-Covid-19 recovery between spring 2021 and September 2022, to pre-Covid-19 levels. Compared to 2022, total throughput is down 18.8%. Due to a decline in European steel production and lower demand, the handling of steel, the main product group within conventional general cargo, fell by 16.9% with exports (-15.5%) holding up better than imports (-17.9%).
Total roll-on/roll-off traffic is holding up relatively well with a slight decrease of 2.1%. Transport equipment throughput (in units) is up thanks to an increase in the throughput of new cars. In 2023, 3.56 million new cars were handled, an annualised growth of 9.0%.
Investing in the future
As a world port and gateway to and from Europe, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a crucial link in the international logistics chain. Sustainable growth is therefore key. Not only by attracting investors, but also by investing itself. Over the next ten years, the port therefore envisages an investment programme worth €2.9 billion, including in new infrastructure such as a quay wall for the Europa Terminal, a new coordination centre and residual land on the Left Bank.
In terms of both energy supply and energy transition, the port intends to continue to play its pioneering role in the future. For example, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively promoting a circular economy with the implementation of the Warmtenet Antwerpen Noord project. The first delivery of heat will soon take place, and further development of the NextGen District is planned for this year.
For more information: 
Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Havenhuis, Zaha Hadidplein 1
2030 Antwerp - Belgium
Tel.: +32 492 15 41 39
Email: press@portofantwerpbruges.com
portofantwerpbruges.com