TRADLINX

Belgium, strategically located in Northwestern Europe, serves as a crucial hub for international trade. With its advanced transport infrastructure seamlessly integrated into the European network, Belgian ports play a vital role in the nation’s economy. These ports handle over 98% of the country’s international trade volume, contributing €32 billion in direct and indirect value added annually, representing 7% of Belgium’s GDP. The country’s strategic position, bordering France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg, and its proximity to the UK, makes it a central nexus for European logistics and distribution.

Here’s an in-depth look at Belgium’s major ports and their key features:

1. Port of Antwerp: Belgium’s Largest Container Hub

Key Features:

• Location: Antwerp, 80 kilometers southeast of the North Sea, and Zeebrugge on the North Sea coast
• Annual throughput: Europe’s second-largest port complex after Rotterdam, handling 289 million tonnes of cargo (2021)
• Employs over 164,000 people (direct and indirect jobs)
• Handles diverse cargo types including containers, bulk goods, and petroleum products
• Features 166 km of quay length and spans an area of 14,000 hectares
• Connected by 1,061 km of railways and 409 km of roads
• Home to Europe’s largest integrated chemical cluster
• Offers over 300 liner services to 800 destinations worldwide
• Pioneering in sustainable initiatives, including shore power facilities and hydrogen projects

2. Port of Zeebrugge: Belgium’s Premier Coastal Port

Key Features:

• Location: Bruges, on the North Sea coast
• Specializes in roll-on/roll-off traffic, containers, and liquefied natural gas
• Deep-water port capable of accommodating ultra-large container ships
• Major hub for automotive logistics, handling over 2.2 million vehicles annually
• Leading European port for LNG, with a capacity of 9 billion cubic meters per year
• Excellent connections to the UK and Scandinavia
• Focuses on green energy initiatives, including offshore wind energy projects

3. Port of Ghent: Vital Inland Maritime Hub

Key Features:

• Location: Ghent, along the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal
• One of Europe’s largest inland ports
• Handles over 48 million tons of diverse cargo annually
• Specializes in dry bulk, general cargo, and liquid bulk
• Strong focus on sustainable development and circular economy initiatives
• Excellent multimodal connections integrating road, rail, and inland waterways
• Key player in the steel, automotive, and agro-food industries
• Home to a bio-based cluster, promoting sustainable industry practices

4. Port of Brussels: Capital’s Strategic Inland Port

Key Features:

• Location: Brussels, along the Brussels-Scheldt Maritime Canal
• Handles primarily containerized goods and bulk cargo
• Annual throughput of about 5 million tonnes
• Offers extensive logistics services
• Plays a crucial role in Belgium’s inland logistics infrastructure
• Facilitates efficient transportation networks, integrating road, rail, and water transport
• Strategic importance for the distribution of goods to the capital region
• Focuses on urban logistics and last-mile delivery solutions

5. Port of Liège: Europe’s Third-Largest Inland Port

Key Features:

• Location: Liège, on the Meuse River
• Third-largest inland port in Europe
• Handles diverse cargo types, including containers, bulk goods, and petroleum products
• Annual throughput of over 21 million tonnes
• Strategic location enhances logistical efficiency for businesses across Europe
• State-of-the-art facilities for efficient cargo operations
• Key hub for multimodal transport, connecting waterways, railways, and roads
• Home to the Liège Trilogiport, a multimodal logistics platform

Economic Impact

The port industry in Belgium has a significant economic impact:

• Contribution to GDP: Ports contribute €32.1 billion in direct and indirect value added, representing 7% of Belgian GDP annually.
• Employment: The sector supports 249,612 full-time equivalent jobs, accounting for 5.9% of Belgian domestic employment including self-employed.
• Trade Value: Belgian ports facilitate the movement of goods valued at over €650 billion annually.

Future Outlook

The future of Belgium’s ports looks promising, with several developments on the horizon:

1. Infrastructure Investments: Belgian ports are investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades. For instance, the Port of Antwerp is expanding its container handling capacity with the development of the Saeftinghe Development Area.
2. Technological Advancements: Ports are embracing digital technologies to improve efficiency. The Port of Antwerp is implementing a blockchain platform to streamline maritime supply chains.
3. Sustainability Initiatives: There’s a growing focus on environmental sustainability. Belgian ports are working towards reducing CO2 emissions, with plans to increase shore power facilities and promote alternative fuels.
4. Capacity Expansion: Many ports are planning expansions to meet future demand. The Port of Zeebrugge is developing new areas to accommodate increased container traffic.
5. Multimodal Connectivity: Belgian ports are enhancing their multimodal connections. The Port of Ghent is improving its rail and inland waterway connections to strengthen its position as a logistics hub.