Volumes up in 2024 despite challenging landscape
Throughput at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges grew 2.3 per cent to 278m tonnes in 2024, despite a turbulent economic climate, with rising energy prices, geopolitical tensions and increased international competition.
Containers were the driving force behind this growth, with tonnage up 8.9 per cent and TEUs up 8.1 per cent. Reefer containers increased by 9.2 per cent, accounting for 8.6 per cent of total container traffic. The market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre Range grew by 0.7 percentage points to 30.6 per cent in the first nine months of the year.
Other segments felt the impact of challenging market conditions. “The chemicals sector is experiencing its worst years since 2009, while sectors such as construction and automotive were under pressure from high energy and raw material prices and low demand,” the port said, noting that instability in the Red Sea and geopolitical tensions led to longer shipping times and uncertainty in international shipping.
Sustainability milestones
The port authority took important steps last year toward the ambition of becoming a climate-neutral port by 2050, a priority that remains central in 2025. The focus on the circular economy continues to take shape in NextGen District and the innovation hub NextGen Demo. The CHERISH2O project, aimed at purifying and reusing company wastewater, and the Warmtenet Antwerpen Noord, Belgium’s first open-access heat network, also contribute to the port’s circular ambitions.
In the maritime sector, the first methanol bunkering of a deep-sea vessel marked an important milestone in the development of Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a multifuel port. Shore power projects in Antwerp and Zeebrugge play a vital role in reducing emissions and noise pollution.
The installation of one of Europe’s largest public charging stations for electric trucks makes the Antwerp port area an indispensable link in sustainable freight transport. In addition, the sustainability of its own fleet continued with innovations such as the Volta 1, Europe’s first all-electric tug, and the Methatug, the world’s first tug powered by methanol.
Infrastructure investment drives sustainable growth and competitiveness
With the official introduction of a 16-metre draught in 2024, the port said it has significantly strengthened its competitive position. “The record 16.3-metre draught at Zeebrugge, underscores this progress. At the same time, the ICO RoRo terminal in Zeebrugge is being further developed, responding to the platform’s growing demand for capacity,” the port said.
The construction of the new Antwerp Coordination Centre will also serve as a strategic hub to optimise the nautical chain and further increase the efficiency of the port.
“These infrastructure developments are not only critical to the port’s operational performance and sustainable growth, but also enhance its appeal to innovative investors such as Vioneo,” the port said.
In addition to infrastructure, security remains a priority, with the successful roll-out of Certified Pick up releasing more than 1mn containers safely by 2024.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges, commented: “Over the past year, we have once again demonstrated our resilience. More than ever, the challenges we face, such as geopolitical tensions, the energy transition and complex permit processes, require cross-border cooperation and a shared vision.
“Only then will we remain attractive to investors and maintain our strategic role as a pioneer in the industry. In addition, the demand for additional capacity continues to grow louder, while security becomes an increasingly important issue. 2025 will undoubtedly be another year of challenges, but also of opportunities. With our unique mix of logistics, maritime and industry, and our strategic location, we are ready to prove our agility once again”.
