News

Shortsea connections to and from Antwerp saw steady growth in volumes during the first four months of 2021. The increase in activity can be partly explained by an increase in feeder transhipment volumes. The temporary suspension of certain direct deepsea calls in the United Kingdom resulted in an increase in transport via shortsea.

Antwerp Cold Stores and Seafrigo concluded a joint venture at the end of April. The two firms have announced their ambition to become the number one choice in Belgium for handling and storage of temperature-controlled goods.

On 10 June 2021, the MV Yeoman Bontrup, one of the largest self-unloading bulk carriers in the world, docked in Antwerp. Antwerp Stone Terminal unloaded 93,000 tonnes of stone aggregate in 24 hours. The fact that the Kieldrecht Lock is capable of accommodating vessels of a suitable draught is what makes such large volumes possible.

Schmidt Belgium is doubling its storage capacity at the port of Antwerp. Six silos and a new warehouse will be built on the site. The transport and packaging company specialises in the handling and storage of polymers.

The global innovation platform Plug and Play is launching a maritime programme in Antwerp. Plug and Play Maritime helps international start-ups to test and develop new technologies at the port of Antwerp.

Doubling rail cargo transport to and from the port by 2030. That is the ambition of Port of Antwerp, Railport and Infrabel's joint rail vision, presented on 31 March. In concrete terms, this involves seven projects to help make the modal shift a reality.

In February, Porto do Açu (subsidiary of Prumo Logistica S.A.) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd (FFI) a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. The agreement focuses on the joint development of green hydrogen at Porto do Açu in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Antwerp is a world port in the centre of Europe, with both multimodal and maritime accessibility. In the first quarter, the hinterland network and short-sea offering were further expanded. You can find an overview of the new intermodal connections from the first quarter here.

On 23 March 2021, Port of Antwerp, Fluxys and Titan LNG christened a new LNG bunker vessel, FlexFueler 002. The bunker barge will ensure that ships re-fuel with LNG anywhere in the port.

Port of Antwerp, along with terminal operator PSA Antwerp, is planning to deepen the quay wall of Europa Terminal. As a result, the largest container ships can continue to call at Europa Terminal. With this deepening project, Port of Antwerp and PSA Antwerp are confirming their ambition to make the best and most sustainable use of the existing space at the port.