Cool chain high in Antwerp continues
The Port of Antwerp is maintaining its upward trend in the cool chain segment: the number of reefer containers handled in the Belgian port rose by 2.7%, surpassing the mark of 1 million teu for the second year in a row now.
The growth in 2021 was mainly driven by a 6% increase in export volumes. A majority of 60% of the containers handled in the Port of Antwerp are destined for export. The share of reefer container volumes (in teu) represents 8.2% of the port’s total container traffic.
Before the coronavirus crisis, there was a huge drop in the use of conventional reefer vessels, as the majority of perishables were transported in reefer containers. As of 2020, it was again profitable to deploy reefer vessels in liner shipping due to the high rates in container liner shipping. Despite capacity challenges, the outlook for 2022 remains positive. (sh)