With an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk, and for the throughput of vehicles. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
The ambition for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear: to become the world’s first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers, and other partners, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society.
The future is undoubtedly digital, fully connected, circular, and climate neutral. The port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to make a difference in these areas. These themes are therefore the focal points throughout the company’s strategic plan. Efforts are being made to attract the right stakeholders who can contribute to the transition towards a digital, connected, and sustainable port.
Growth remains crucial, and the major infrastructure projects of the two ports continue to be important in supporting the country’s economic engine. The port of Antwerp-Bruges also strives to enhance strong and competitive hinterland connections, ensuring fast, efficient, and sustainable transportation of goods to and from the hinterland. This involves a continued focus on rail and inland shipping, as well as supporting the further greening of the (road) transport sector.
The energy transition is well underway, and it is evident that hydrogen will play a significant role. The first steps towards a true hydrogen economy have already been taken, and the merged Port of Antwerp-Bruges provides an unprecedented opportunity to further develop the hydrogen chain. Through Zeebrugge, green hydrogen can be imported, which will be a significant step towards a climate-neutral economy in the Antwerp chemical cluster. The importance of hydrogen cannot be overstated.
Another step in reducing the share of fossil fuels in our economy is to focus on circularity. This includes reserving space for circularity, offering financial support to start-ups and scale-ups focusing on sustainability and circularity, and supporting CCS as an important measure to reduce CO2 emissions. Through the Antwerp@C project, CO2 will be captured annually from major chemical players and stored or processed into new products.
It is important not to lose sight of our environment. By focusing on various aspects of environmental quality, we want to make the port an asset rather than a hindrance. We monitor air quality and initiate projects to improve it when necessary. We also work with customers on the port platform to improve water quality. Additionally, we aim to minimise light and noise pollution and promote biodiversity in and around the port.
The combination of being both a seaport and an inland port, with the Antwerp platform located far inland, is one of the strengths of the port. Being a member of EFIP for many years is therefore logical and has proved to be a very valuable membership. EFIP is a platform for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to engage in discussions with numerous European inland ports and other relevant stakeholders active in the domain of inland navigation. EFIP helps us to stay informed about European developments that impact our sector and to convey the priorities, opportunities and challenges of this sector in a conveyed way towards the European policy makers. We value the extensive network and constructive relationships that EFIP provides to its members.
