The Port of Antwerp-Bruges will close 2024 with a total throughput of 278 million tonnes, an increase of 2.3% compared to 2023. The main growth factor was an increase in container traffic by 8.9% in tonnes and 8.1% in TEU. The refrigerated container segment saw an increase of 9.2%, while the port’s share of the Hamburg-Le Havre route increased by 0.7 percentage points to 30.6%. Despite economic instability caused by geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices, the port is showing resilience.
Other segments have faced challenges. The chemical industry is experiencing its worst period since 2009, while the construction and automotive sectors are suffering from high costs and weak demand. At the same time, the volume of iron and steel handled increased by 3.7%, and dry fertilizers offset the decline in coal (-35.4%) with an increase of 22.9%. RoRo handled by 3.4%, and the volume of liquid cargo decreased by 5.8% due to a drop in demand for diesel (-22.3%) and LNG (-21.9%).
In 2024, the port received 20,195 sea vessels (+0.2%), and Zeebrugge – 187 cruise ships and 557,000 passengers. Projects to reduce emissions and move towards climate neutrality by 2050 are being actively implemented. The NextGen District and NextGen Demo initiatives, the CHERISH2O project for water purification and reuse, as well as Belgium’s first open heating network Warmtenet Antwerpen Noord are developing. The port has started refuelling ships with methanol, and is developing shore power systems and charging stations for electric trucks.
Infrastructure plays an important role. In 2024, the port officially introduced a 16-metre draft, with Zeebrugge achieving a record 16.3 metres. The ICO RoRo terminal is being expanded, and the new Coordination Centre in Antwerp is optimising logistics. Safety also remains a priority: the Certified Pick up system has enabled the safe handling of over 1 million containers.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to strengthen its role in international trade and the energy transition. Strategic investments and collaborations with key players help to combine economic growth, innovation and sustainability, securing its position in global logistics.