The Port of Antwerp-Bruges reported a total throughput of 143.2 million tonnes for the first six months of 2024, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. Initially driven by a surge in container transport demand, this upward trend is now influencing other product categories despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and an uncertain macroeconomic environment. The port remains a trailblazer, investing heavily in creating a future-proof facility.
Container throughput showed significant recovery in the first quarter following a global slowdown, continuing its growth into the second quarter. Sailing around the Cape of Good Hope has become routine, boosting container throughput by 6.8% in tonnes and 4.1% in TEUs (6,665,000 TEUs) compared to the first half of 2023.
Conventional breakbulk volumes also exhibited an upward trend, bouncing back from a weak final quarter of 2023. Although the overall throughput in the first half was 6.2% lower than last year, the second quarter showed improvement. Iron and steel throughput remained stable, with a slight increase of 0.6%, marked by a 7.4% rise in exports and a 3.7% drop in imports. This contrasted with the first quarter, which saw an increase in imports but a decline in exports.
Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic experienced a 5.7% drop in the first half of 2024, a minor improvement from the last quarter. Persistent congestion at RoRo terminals, a result of car manufacturers stockpiling, decreased demand, and delayed exports due to rerouted voyages around the Cape of Good Hope, contributed to this decline. The throughput of second-hand cars fell sharply by 45.8%, while high & heavy vehicles, trucks, and new cars also saw declines. However, unaccompanied cargo on RoRo vessels rose by 2.4%, and the increase in throughput to Spain, Portugal, Scandinavia, and Ireland compensated for declines in traffic to the UK.
The dry bulk segment remained stable with a modest increase of 0.4%, a notable recovery from the 12.2% decline in the first quarter. Exports surged by 10.9% despite a 6% drop in imports. Fertilizers, the largest category within dry bulk, saw a significant rise of 34.8%, bouncing back from a steep decline in 2023. Other materials like non-ferro ores and construction materials also posted increases, though coal, grains, sand & gravel, and scrap throughput decreased.
Liquid bulk saw a slight uptick of 0.7% by the end of the second quarter, following a minor decline earlier. Export increases of 5.4% offset a 2.4% drop in imports. Gasoline and fuel oil throughput grew, while diesel, LNG, and other energy gases saw declines. The overall liquid fuels segment experienced a slight decline of 1.1%.
In the first half of 2024, the port welcomed 9,906 ocean-going vessels, a 2.8% decrease from last year, with the gross tonnage of these vessels falling by 4.2%. Zeebrugge saw a rise in cruise passengers to 270,600 on 82 cruise ships, despite receiving eight fewer ships than last year, indicating higher occupancy rates.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to lead in sustainability and innovation, highlighted by the launch of Methatug, the world’s first methanol-powered tug-boat, following the Hydrotug, which runs on hydrogen. This green initiative aligns with the port’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Significant advancements include Belgium’s first shore power connection for ocean-going vessels and one of Europe’s largest public charging stations for electric trucks, reinforcing the port’s role in the energy transition.
Investments in infrastructure remain robust. The first quarter saw the entry of container ships with a draught of 16 metres into the Deurganck Dock, with several more following in the second quarter. The Zeebrugge platform also saw progress with the initial phase of the Southern Channel Basin development and the expansion of the ICO RoRo terminal.
Port officials, including CEO Jacques Vandermeiren and Port Alderman Annick De Ridder, emphasized the port’s resilience and commitment to sustainable growth, even amidst challenges. The figures underscore the port’s pivotal role as an economic engine for Flanders and its strategic importance as a key European gateway.
