October 8 - Managers at Antwerp Port Authority have given the global heavy lift maritime industry an early Christmas present - a massive EUR1.6 billion investment programme and a freezing of dues next year at 2010 rates.

A fourteen year investmemt programme will start next year and see expansion of the port, including the development of the Verrebroek dock; construction of a second lock on the left bank; dock renovation; investment in new tugboats, three under construction, four on order; and dock-mounted cranes and mobile cranes.

At the same time, the board decided to freeze the 2011 rates at the 2010 level. "Continuing to offer attractive but realistic rates for port dues is an important competitive factor," says CEO Eddy Bruyninckx.

The freeze is meant to give a clear signal to port customers that the additional investments in the Oosterweel projectwill not have any consequences on port dues.

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