The total throughput of port of Antwerp-Bruges was 143.2 million tonnes in the first six months of this year, an increase of 3 percent compared to the same period last year.
Conventional breakbulk volumes were down 6.2 percent year on year in the first half of 2024. However, the port was optimistic about the prospects going forward, with Q2 2024 volumes increasing. In the past six months, the throughput of iron and steel has remained more or less stable (+0.6 percent), with a growth in exports (+7.4 percent) and a drop in imports (-3.7 percent).
Ro-ro traffic dropped in the first half of 2024 by 5.7 percent – a minor improvement compared to the end of the last quarter. The congestion at the ro-ro terminals persists due to the altered business model of the car manufacturers stockpiling at the ports, decreased demand, and delayed exports caused by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. This resulted in a decrease in throughput for all transport materials by 13.2 percent. The lower throughput of second-hand cars in particular (-45.8 percent) contributed to this, followed by high & heavy (-22.7 percent), trucks (-17.6 percent) and new cars (-9 percent).
During the first half of 2024, 9,906 oceangoing vessels called at the port, marking a decrease of 2.8 percent. The gross tonnage of these vessels fell by 4.2 percent.
In May, the port played host to the launch of a tugboat running on methanol, the Methatug. This, just like the Hydrotug (the first tugboat running on hydrogen) is part of a greening programme of its fleet. The port also installed its first shore-power connection for oceangoing vessels, as well as a large charging station for electric trucks.
Jacques Vandermeiren, ceo at port of Antwerp-Bruges: ”The past half year has certainly not been without challenges. But despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions, a still fragile economic climate and farmers’ protests, we are continuing with positive figures once more, showing even stronger growth in the first quarter.
“Alongside container throughput, other product groups are also experiencing a positive trend. Moreover, despite these challenges, we remain committed to advancing our pioneering role in the energy transition, including initiatives such as shore power projects and truck charging infrastructure. This indicates that we are progressing towards making 2024 a year of significant achievements across all areas, driven by our ongoing resilience and the collective efforts of the entire port community.”
