The Competition College of the Belgian Competition Authority (BMA) has given the green light to a merger of the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge.
HLPFI reported in October 2019 that the two Belgian gateways planned to merge their respective activities. The merged entity will be of the largest breakbulk ports in Europe.
The BCA’s investigation into the merger focused on the impact of the concentration on port concessions, as well as the effects to port services for containers, fluid bulk and ro-ro cargo.
“The college has decided, in line with the proposal of the competition prosecutor, that the concentration is unlikely to give rise to consequences that would prevent approval,” said BCA.
The integrated port will be known as port of Antwerp-Bruges.
