Positive trend seen in container throughput during the first quarter extended to other products as the six-month period went on
The total throughput at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges was 143.2m tonnes during the first six months of the year, an increase of 3 per cent compared with the same period of 2023.
The upward trend, which started in the first quarter and was driven by increased demand for container transport, was now extending to other product categories as well, the port reported.
Growth was recorded despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and an uncertain macro-economic climate, it noted.
In the first quarter, container throughput recovered following a global slowdown due to economic uncertainty and inflation, growth that continued in the second quarter.
Sailing around the Cape of Good Hope had become the ‘new normal’, the statement continued, ensuring a year-on-year rise in total container throughput of 6.8 per cent in tonnes and 4.1 per cent in TEUs (6.7m TEUs).
”The past half year has certainly not been without challenges,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO at Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
”But despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions, a still fragile economic climate and farmers’ protests, we are continuing with positive figures once more, showing even stronger growth in the first quarter.
”Alongside container throughput, other product groups are also experiencing a positive trend,” he outlined.
”Moreover, despite these challenges, we remain committed to advancing our pioneering role in the energy transition, including initiatives such as shore power projects and truck charging infrastructure.
”This indicates that we are progressing towards making 2024 a year of significant achievements across all areas, driven by our ongoing resilience and the collective efforts of the entire port community,” Vandermeiren added.
