Antwerp growing in all segments but one
In Q1/2022, the Belgian Port of Antwerp’s throughput declined slightly by 1.5% compared to the same period last year, amounting to a total of 58.3 million t. The container segment was particularly hit, its volume going down by 11.6% in teu.
This is "partly the result of capacity problems", as the port said in a press release, referring to its imminent merger with the Port of Zeebrugge and the need for extra container capacity.
As reasons for the decline, Antwerp spoke of "the disruption to container liner trade, delays and high import call sizes (number of containers unloaded by ships) are posing protracted operational challenges" as well as "the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the sanctions imposed."
Nevertheless, conventional general cargo grew by 49.1% and the ro-ro segment soared moderately (+2.4%). The dry bulk segment grew by 11.1% compared to Q1/2021 and liquid bulk also improved by 15.3%, including a notable doubling of biofuel shipments. (sh)