Geopolitical tensions and slowing economic growth are reflected in the annual figures of Port of Antwerp-Bruges 

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.

Liquid bulk throughput is down 2.1% during 2023. Fuel throughput is up thanks to strong growth in diesel and paraffin while petrol and fuel oil are down. Naphtha throughput is down due to lower industry demand while LPG throughput is static. The chemical sector is under pressure across Europe due to high energy, raw material and labour costs and low demand. This translates to a decrease in chemical throughput of 8.1%. Biofuel throughput is down and LNG also remains below last year's levels when as much as possible was supplied in the midst of an energy crisis.

The throughput volumes of conventional breakbulk 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%. Throughput of transport equipment (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%. Throughput of unaccompanied cargo (excluding containers) carried on RoRo vessels is also down slightly (-1.5%). Over half of these flows are related to the UK and are down (-4.9%), while traffic related to Ireland is up sharply (+17.9%), while Scandinavia traffic is holding up.

The dry bulk segment is down 13.9% on last year. Demand for coal, which was high in 2022 due to the energy crisis, has since fallen sharply. Fertilisers, which were already down last year partly due to sanctions against Russia and increased fertiliser prices, are also down further this year.

Zeebrugge welcomed 169 cruise ships and 953.048 passenger movements in 2023, making 2023 a record year. A spread of cruises both throughout the year and during the week, ensured a staggered inflow.

In 2023 20.156 seagoing vessels called at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a drop of 4.2%. The total gross tonnage of these vessels grew by 2.6% tot 657 million GT.

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 central, 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.

To meet the significant demand for renewable energy, the port is not only focusing on local solar and wind energy, but is also strongly committed to importing green energy. Hydrogen acts as a key element, serving as an energy carrier, raw material for industry and fuel for shipping. This year the port will see the first bunkering of hydrogen and hydrogen carriers, such as methanol.

As part of the greening of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges fleet, two pioneering vessels will be introduced: the Methatug, the world's first methanol-powered tug, and an electric RSD, a first for Europe. In addition, shore power is being further developed, with work starting on the shore power installation for the cruise terminal in Zeebrugge later this year. Finally, the port is working with industry on CO2 reduction through CO2 capture. Work on the CCS terminal is expected to start this year, after the investment decision is taken soon.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "We had seen it coming for some time that 2023 would not be a great year. After all, as a port, we are at the centre of economic and geopolitical challenges. But, with a powerful strategy, the merger and an efficiency exercise, we have managed to organise ourselves in good time and are even gaining market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre range. Especially in more turbulent waters, it is essential that, using our strategic plan as a compass, we keep sailing in a focused manner in the right direction. We will therefore continue this in 2024. So as to remain attractive to investors and continue our strategic role as a pioneer. Legal certainty is crucial in this regard. We therefore expect the government to promptly clarify a workable licensing framework and correct conditions to continue to operate as a business and attract investment as a top platform."

Annick De Ridder, Vice-Mayor of the City of Antwerp and President of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "Our port is the economic engine of Flanders. That engine held up well last year despite major challenges thanks to all employees and companies giving their best. And I want to reiterate my immense gratitude to them for that. The port already provides 73,000 direct jobs. But we still need more people to keep the engine running. So spread the message, because a job in the port, where the future is being shaped and where companies are investing in a sustainable future, is just that little bit different. Sustainable growth, including ECA and NSZ as key projects, also remains a priority to continue to secure our position as a world port."

Dirk De fauw, Mayor of the City of Bruges and Vice-President of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “We have now been one single port for over a year and a half and the added value is clearly showing, especially given the current difficult context. It allows us to spread container volumes across both platforms and makes us a stronger brand as a port internationally. As a fusion port, together with the industrial sector, we are also taking important and essential steps in the energy transition, towards a climate-neutral port by 2050. However, in addition to the economy and climate, our focus is on people and the environment. We are a port of, and for, people, and are aware of the impact of our activities on the environment and local residents. We therefore remain committed to the quality of our environment."