Port of Antwerp-Bruges — 2024-01-10
Members Corner
2023 was again a year full of challenges for Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The geopolitical tensions and slowdown in global economic growth are causing lower industrial production and a decline in trade flows everywhere. As a result, the total freight throughput, which amounted to 271 m tons of cargo in 2023, decreased by 5.5% compared to 2022. The market share of the port's container segment continues to grow compared to the other ports in the Hamburg-Le Havre range and confirms the strong global position of Port of Antwerp-Bruges in this segment. In order to ensure its strategic role as a world port in the future, sustainable growth remains a priority and an important investment program is planned for the next ten years.
Weak economic growth worldwide and lower demand for raw materials are weighing on the global demand for container transport . For Port of Antwerp-Bruges, this resulted in a decrease in container throughput of 5.9% in tonnes and 7.2% in TEU in 2023, compared to 2022. Compared to the competing ports, Port of Antwerp-Bruges performed better . The market share in the Hamburg – Le Havre range in the first nine months of 2023 increased by 0.6% points to 30.2%.
The throughput of liquid bulk decreased by 2.1% in 2023, thus continuing the high level of 2022. The throughput of fuels increased thanks to the strong growth of diesel and kerosene, while gasoline and fuel oil decreased. Naphtha throughput is declining due to lower demand from the industry, while LPG throughput is status quo. The chemical sector is under pressure throughout Europe due to high costs for energy, raw materials and wages on the one hand and declining demand on the other. This resulted in a decrease in chemical throughput of 8.1%. The throughput of biofuels fell and that of LNG also remained below the level of 2022, when as much as possible was supplied in the midst of the energy crisis.
Transhipment volumes of conventional general cargo have normalized to pre-covid levels after a strong post-covid recovery between spring 2021 and September 2022. Compared to 2022, total throughput decreased by 18.8%. Due to a decrease in European steel production and lower demand, transhipment of steel, the most important product group within conventional general cargo, fell by 16.9%, with exports (-15.5%) holding up better than imports (-17.9%). .
The total roll-on/roll-off traffic is holding up relatively well with a slight decrease of 2.1%. Transshipment (in units) is growing thanks to an increase in the transhipment of new cars. In 2023, 3.56 m new cars were shipped, an annual growth of 9.0%. The transshipment of unaccompanied cargo (excluding containers) transported on Ro-Ro ships decreases slightly (-1.5%). Transshipment to and from the United Kingdom, which accounts for more than half in this segment, decreased by 4.9%. On the other hand, transhipment to and from Ireland is growing strongly (+17.9%) and Scandinavia traffic is holding up.
The dry bulk segment decreased by 13.9% compared to last year. Demand for coal, which was high in 2022 due to the energy crisis, has now fallen sharply again. Fertilizers, which already decreased last year due to sanctions against Russia and increased fertilizer prices, will also decrease 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 spread inflow.
In 2023, 20,156 seagoing vessels called at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a decrease of 4.2%. The total gross tonnage of these vessels increased by 2.6% to 657 m GT.
As a world port and gateway to and from Europe, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a crucial link in the international logistics chain. That is why sustainable growth is central, not only by attracting investors, but also by investing yourself. The port therefore plans an investment program worth €2.9 bn over the next ten years, including new infrastructure such as a quay wall for the Europa Terminal , the Royers lock and residual land on the Left Bank .
The port wants to continue to play its pioneering role in the future, both in terms of energy supply and the energy transition. For example, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively committed to promoting a circular economy with the implementation of the Antwerp North Heat Network project . The first delivery of heat will take place soon, and further development of the NextGen District is planned for this year.
To meet the significant demand for renewable energy, the port not only focuses on local solar and wind energy, but is also strongly committed to the import of green energy. Hydrogen acts as a key element, serving as an energy carrier, raw material for industry and fuel for shipping. This gives concrete shape to the strategy to turn the port into a European climate-neutral hydrogen hub. For example, the first bunkering of hydrogen and hydrogen carriers, such as methanol, will take place this year.
As part of the greening of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges fleet, two pioneering vessels are being introduced: the Metthatug, the world's first methanol-powered tugboat, and an electric RSD, a first for Europe. In addition, shore power is being further developed so that the shore power installation for the cruise terminal in Zeebrugge can be operational in 2026. Finally, the port works together with the industry on Carbon Dioxide reduction by capturing Carbon Dioxide. Work on the CCS terminal is expected to start this year, after the investment decision is made soon.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “ We have seen it coming for some time that 2023 would not be a great year. As a port, we are therefore at the center of economic and geopolitical challenges. But, with a strong strategy, the merger and an efficiency exercise, we have organized ourselves in a timely manner and are even gaining market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre range. Especially in turbulent waters, it is essential that we remain focused and sail in the right direction, with our strategic plan as a compass. And we will continue to do so in 2024. So that we remain attractive to investors and can continue to play our strategic role as a pioneer in the future. Legal certainty is crucial. We therefore expect clarity from the government quickly about a workable licensing framework and correct conditions to continue to function as a company and to continue to attract investments as a top platform.”
Annick De Ridder, port alderman of the City of Antwerp and chairman of the board of directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “Our port is the economic engine of Flanders. That engine held up well over the past year despite major economic and geopolitical challenges, thanks to all employees and companies who gave the best of themselves. And I would like to thank them again for that, especially because - despite the 5.5% decrease in total freight throughput - we have still gained market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre range! Our port provides the necessary prosperity. In order to continue to grow sustainably, it is extremely important that we remain attractive enough to continue to attract the necessary investments. Key projects such as ECA (Extra Container Capacity Antwerp) and NSZ (New Lock Zeebrugge) continue to have the highest priority to ensure our position as a world port in the future. The year 2024 has already started well for our port with the permit for Ineos. Excellent news for our jobs and our Flemish prosperity.”
Dirk De fauw, mayor of the city of Bruges and vice-chairman of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “We have been one port for over a year and a half now and the added value is clearly visible, especially given the current difficult context . This allows us to spread container volumes across both platforms and makes us a stronger brand as a port internationally. As a merger port, we are also taking important and essential steps in the energy transition together with the industry, on the way to a climate-neutral port in 2050. But in addition to the economy and climate, our focus is also on people and the environment. We are a port of people, for people and are aware of the impact of our activities on the environment and local residents. That is why we continue to focus on the quality of our environment.”