Antwerp and Zeebrugge embrace
It is a unification from A to Z. The cities of Antwerp and Bruges have reached an agreement to merge their respective ports. The unification process is expected to take one year. The ports will operate under the double name of Port of Antwerp-Bruges in future.
Antwerp has its strengths in the handling and storage of containers, break bulk and chemical products, while Zeebruegge brings its advantages as a major port for ro-ro traffic, container handling and the transhipment of liquid natural gas to the marriage.
The unified port will account for more than 15% of Europe’s liquid natural gas transited and will also remain the continent’s most important hub for chemicals. Total throughput is currently at 278 million t per year.
Railfreight traffic between the two ports will be bundled and estuary traffic, by inland vessels on the North Sea, will be optimised. A pipeline connection is also on the list of priorities.
The ongoing strategic investments, such as the new sea lock in Zeebrugge and the additional container capacity in Antwerp, will continue.
The transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including the approval of the Belgian competition authorities. Both parties aim to finalise the transaction in the course of 2021. (cd)