The port of Antwerp handled a freight volume of just over 51m tonnes in the first three months of this year, 5.9 per cent more than in the same period of 2014.
According to the port, container volume experienced a rapid expansion of 8.5 per cent, while liquid bulk for its part continued to show solid growth.
The Port of Authority said it was 'naturally very satisfied' with the figures, but also admitted it was guarding against over-optimism in view of the continuing turbulence and volatility in the market.
Container volume grew to 28.2m tonnes, representing 2.35m TEU, an increase of 9.5 per cent.
During the three-month period, the number of seagoing ships calling at Antwerp was 3,408, or 1 per cent fewer than in the same period last year, although aggregate gross tonnage rose by 4.2 per cent.
