Annual figures for Port of Antwerp-Bruges show growth despite challenging times

Port of Antwerp-Bruges will close 2024 with 2.3% growth in total throughput, amounting to 278 million tons. Despite geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, the port is showing resilience, with a strong increase in container throughput as the main driver. Ambitious plans are ready for 2025 to further strengthen its pivotal role in energy transition and international trade.

Strong container throughput drives growth amid turbulent times

Despite a turbulent economic climate, with rising energy prices, geopolitical tensions and increased international competition, Port of Antwerp-Bruges managed to achieve a total throughput of 278 million tons in 2024, a 2.3% increase over 2023.

Containers were the driving force behind this growth, up 8.9% in tonnage and 8.1% in TEUs. Reefer containers increased by 9.2%, accounting for 8.6% of total container traffic. The market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre Range grew by 0.7 percentage points to 30.6% in the first nine months of the year.

Other segments felt the impact of challenging market conditions. The chemicals sector is experiencing its worst years since 2009, while sectors such as construction and automotive were under pressure from high energy and raw material prices and low demand. Instability in the Red Sea and geopolitical tensions led to longer shipping times and uncertainty in international shipping.

Conventional general cargo maintained the status quo (0.1%), with growth in iron and steel throughput (+3.7%) while other product groups declined. RoRo throughput declined 3.4% by 2024, driven by a decline in auto throughput (-10.3%). Dry bulk throughput increased slightly by 0.4%. Coal fell sharply (-35.4%), but fertilisers compensated with 22.9% growth. Liquid bulk experienced a 5.8% decline, mainly due to reduced demand for diesel (-22.3%) and LNG (-21.9%). Chemicals, on the other hand, grew strongly (+14.8%), helped by an increase in biofuels (+60.1%), and despite continued pressure on the European chemicals sector.

In 2024, 20,195 seagoing vessels called at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a slight increase of 0.2%. Zeebrugge welcomed 187 cruise ships and 557,000 passengers in 2024.

Port in transition

In 2024, important steps were again taken toward the ambition of becoming a climate-neutral port by 2050, a priority that remains central in 2025. The focus on the circular economy continues to take shape in NextGen District and the innovation hub NextGen Demo. The CHERISH2O project, aimed at purifying and reusing company wastewater, and the Warmtenet Antwerpen Noord, Belgium's first open-access heat network, also contribute to the port's circular ambitions.

In the maritime sector, the first methanol bunkering of a deep-sea vessel marked an important milestone in the development of Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a multifuel port. Shore power projects in Antwerp and Zeebrugge play a vital role in reducing emissions and noise pollution. The installation of one of Europe's largest public charging stations for electric trucks makes the Antwerp port area an indispensable link in sustainable freight transport. In addition, the sustainability of its own fleet continued with innovations such as the Volta 1, Europe's first all-electric tug, and the Methatug, the world's first tug powered by methanol.

Infrastructure: basis for sustainable growth and competitiveness

With the official introduction of a 16-meter draught in 2024, the port has significantly strengthened its competitive position. The record 16.3-meter draught at Zeebrugge, underscores this progress. At the same time, the ICO RoRo terminal in Zeebrugge is being further developed, responding to the platform's growing demand for capacity. The construction of the new Antwerp Coordination Center will also serve as a strategic hub to optimise the nautical chain and further increase the efficiency of the port.

These infrastructure developments are not only critical to the port's operational performance and sustainable growth, but also enhance its appeal to innovative investors such as Vioneo.

In addition to infrastructure, security remains a priority, with the successful roll-out of Certified Pick up releasing more than 1 million containers safely by 2024.