While overall throughput dropped to 137.2m tonnes in the first half of 2023, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges saw container volumes rise and US trade surge by 17.2 per cent, though terminal congestion continues to strain operations across Northwest Europe
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has revealed that its total throughput for the first half (H1) of the year was 137.2mn tonnes, a decrease of 4.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.
While container and RoRo traffic saw growth, both dry and liquid bulk volumes declined.
Congestion at terminals, driven by a mix of logistical challenges and market developments, remains a persistent issue across Northwest Europe, the port confirmed.
”A standout trend is the continuing surge in trade with the United States, reinforcing Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ robust position on transatlantic routes,” it noted.
Container traffic increased by 3.6 per cent in tonnage to 77mn tonnes and 3.7 per cent in TEUs to 6.91mn TEUs.
However, persistent congestion put terminal capacity under ”heavy strain”, a challenge felt across Northwest Europe.
“Several factors are contributing to the current congestion,” the port outlined. ”Container ship arrivals remain irregular due to disruptions dating back to the Covid crisis, further exacerbated by rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Red Sea.
”The recent reshuffling of container alliances has temporarily led to simultaneous vessel calls and high cargo volumes.
”Poor schedule reliability is complicating terminal planning: containers remain on site longer, and vessels are arriving with increasingly large loads,” it explained.
”As a result, average dwell times have increased to seven to eight days, compared to the usual five days. Overcrowded terminals require additional container movements, placing extra strain on personnel and equipment. On top of this, national union actions have added further operational pressure.”
Traffic with the US in H1 grew by 17.2 per cent to 16.4mn tonnes, confirming the US as Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ second most important trading partner after the UK.
At the same time, the port remains the largest European export port to the US.
Container exports remained stable at 303,000 TEU, while container imports rose by 12.6 per cent.
The outlook for the second half of 2025 remains uncertain, the port said, and much will depend on a potential trade agreement between the EU and the US by 1 August.
In a challenging economic climate, we continue to demonstrate our resilience as a port,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO at Port of Antwerp-Bruges:
“The growth in container traffic proves the strong foundations of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, even as bulk traffic comes under pressure and congestion is felt across Northwest Europe.
”Our consistently strong trade relationship with the United States confirms our role as a transatlantic gateway to Europe,” he added.
”At the same time, current capacity pressures and operational challenges highlight the need for additional container infrastructure. With the ECA project, we are focused on building for the future so that we can continue to support sustainable growth.”
