The total throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges was 143.2 million tonnes in the first six months of this year, an increase of 3% compared to the same period last year. This upward trend, which started in the first quarter driven by increased demand for container transport, is now extending to other product categories as well. This is despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and an uncertain macro-economic climate. Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to be a pioneer, investing in a future-proof port.
In the first quarter, container throughput recovered following a global slowdown due to economic uncertainty and inflation. This growth continued in the second quarter. In the meantime, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope has become the 'new normal'. This ensured a rise in total container throughput of 6.8% in tonnes and 4.1% in TEUs (6,665,000 TEUs), compared to the first half of 2023.
Throughput volumes of conventional breakbulk also showed an upward trend. This started in the first quarter, following a weak final quarter of 2023. Despite throughput in the first half of the year being 6.2% lower than the same period last year - due to a 12.6% decrease in imports and a 4.5% increase in exports, throughput improved in the second quarter compared to the first quarter.
In the past six months, throughput of iron and steel has remained more or less stable (+0.6%), with a growth in exports (+7.4%) and a drop in imports (-3.7%). This contrasts with the first quarter, which experienced a growth in imports and a decline in exports. Although most other goods continued to show a decline compared to the same period last year, the throughput of these products increased compared to the first quarter.
Annick De Ridder, Port Alderman for the City of Antwerp and Chair of the Board of Directors for Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "Our growth stands as compelling evidence of our resilience as a world port and our dedication as ambitious pioneers. Furthermore, our market share in the Hamburg – Le Havre Range is continuing to grow. With the launch of the Methatug, we proved once again that we will continue to pioneer and invest even during challenging times. Now that we can accommodate ships with a draught of 16 metres, Antwerp is very well- positioned to be the first port of call for the largest container ships. This is how we and our companies are fully focused on sustainable growth and are reinforcing our position as the economic engine of Flanders."
For more information: 
Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Havenhuis - Zaha Hadidplein 1
2030 Antwerp, Belgium
Tel.: +32 492 15 41 39
Email: [email protected]
portofantwerpbruges.com