The Port of Antwerp has unveiled a range of measures as it prepares for Brexit, including the appointment of a new representative for the UK and Ireland.
Britain is the port’s third-largest maritime trading partner after the US and Russia, with an annual freight volume of around 15 million tonnes.
In a bid to protect trade with the UK the port authority has brought in Justin Atkin, who started his new role on 1 September after more than 20 years of experience in transport, shipping and logistics. For the past two years he has been owner of Ragged Edge Consulting, a consultancy for companies operating in ports, transport and logistics.
'The UK was always a self-evident market for us,'said Wim Dillen, regional development manager at Antwerp Port Authority.'Brexit brings new challenges for us, and our new representative will act as our eyes and ears, keeping us in touch with the economic situation and the impact of Brexit on Antwerp's business. We also count on Justin to place Antwerp even more strongly on the map for the UK and Ireland, and to attract new sources of cargo and investment.'
Atkin himself added: 'Brexit is a big challenge for the business world, not in the least for ports serving the UK. Fortunately, however, the links and connections with the Port of Antwerp are very strong. I will be able to draw on my many years of experience to further develop and expand these links.'
Antwerp is well situated as an investment location close to the European centres of decision-making, and as the gateway to Europe from where the continent can be served quickly and efficiently, given that 50 per cent of UK production is bound for continental Europe.
'The actual impact of Brexit is still uncertain,'said Jacques Vandermeiren, chief executive of Antwerp Port Authority.'Last year there was a decrease of nearly eight per cent in trade with the UK, probably due to this uncertainty. But with Brexit rapidly approaching we want to concentrate on maintaining and even expanding our market position within the United Kingdom.'
In addition to Atkin’s appointment a Brexit taskforce has been set up with representatives of the port community, Customs and Excise and the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain. A roadshow is being planned for early next year and will include a Port Day in Birmingham and a stakeholders' meeting in London.
At these events, local shippers will be able to find out more about the current range of services and connections at the port of Antwerp, as well as getting to know Antwerp logistic service providers in person.
'Of course we are doing everything possible to be fully prepared for Brexit, saidVandermeiren, “but the most desirable situation for us post-Brexit would be that trading conditions remain as close as possible to what they are now.
“Any obstacle to the free movement of goods, whether tariff or non-tariff, would in our opinion be prejudicial to trade relations between our port and the British market.'
