The board of directors of Antwerp Port Authority have this week announced that they have approved a long-term financial proposal, covering the years 2011-2025, that will see some €1.6bn invested in a number of expansion and improvement projects.
Originally drawn up by the port management in September, the new plan was presented to the board of directors by port alderman Marc Van Peel and CEO Eddy Bruyninckx following changes to investment related to Oosterweel.
According to Mr Bruyninckx, the investment plan is only possible thanks to the sustainable financial policy that the Port of Antwerp has followed in recent years.
'It is these financial results, without trying to maximise profits, that even after a period of crisis give us sufficient financial basis to implement this investment programme that is so important to our customers, and to go ahead with the priority activities and investments,' he explained.
Designed to keep Antwerp competitive and maintain a strong position as the second-largest port in Europe, the investment plan will cover expansion in the following areas:
- Development of the Verrebroek dock
- The Saeftinghe Development Area
- The Port of Antwerp International investment policy
In addition, there will be facility investment in:
- Construction of a second lock on the left bank
- Dock renovation and investment
- Maintenance of roads and bridges
Meanwhile, the Port Authority board of directors have opted to freeze 2011 rates at the same level of 2010, in a bid to show customers that additional investment will not impact on port dues.
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