SIMIC

"Given the current geopolitical and macroeconomic context, this slight growth, despite a decline in the container segment due to ongoing global congestion problems, confirms its strengthened position as a unified port," the port said.

Container throughput is down 9.8 per cent in tonnes and 6.2 per cent in TEU compared to a strong first half in 2021. With globally disrupted container liner shipping, vessel delays and high volumes of import cargo, the container trade continues to face operational challenges. Moreover, the throughput of containers related to Russia decreased by 39 per cent due to the war in Ukraine.

Conventional general cargo grew strongly by 22 per cent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2021 and recorded the highest throughput volume since 2011. The main reason for this is the increase in imports of steel, the most important cargo group in this segment. Steel imports from Russia banned by sanctions are being replaced by imports from other countries. Other product groups, such as wood, plywood and fruit, are also showing growth.

Roll-on/roll- off traffic saw an increase of 8.9 per cent. Ro/ro traffic to the United Kingdom and Ireland shows significant growth, with 3.8 million tonnes and 0.6 million tonnes respectively, up 6.8 per cent and 47 per cent compared with the first six months of 2021. The number of new and used cars shows a slight growth of 2.5 per cent and 1.7 per cent, while the number of trucks decreased 19 per cent.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "Given the current geopolitical and macroeconomic context, this slight growth is definitely a relief. These figures confirm that we are stronger together as a unified port. The context continues to pose significant challenges, especially in the container segment. Thanks to the merger, we can now offer two complementary platforms as a unified port, significantly strengthening our position in the international logistics chain and as one of the main gateways to Europe."