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CONTAINER throughput at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in the first six months of the year totalled 6.6 million TEU, an increase of 4.1 per cent compared to the first half of 2023.
Total tonnage of the container volume was 6.8 per cent more than the same period last year, reports London's Port Technology International.
A port official explained: "This upward trend, which started in the first quarter driven by increased demand for container transport, is now extending to other product categories as well. This is despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and an uncertain macro-economic climate."
Additionally, container throughput improved in the first quarter, after a global slowdown caused by economic uncertainty and inflation.
This increase continued in the second quarter. Meanwhile, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope has become the 'new normal'.
Throughput volumes of conventional breakbulk also showed an upward trend. This started in the first quarter, following a weak final quarter of 2023.
Despite throughput in the first half of the year being 6.2 per cent lower than the same period last year - due to a 12.6 per cent decrease in imports and a 4.5 per cent increase in exports, throughput improved in the second quarter compared to the first quarter.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said: "The past half year has certainly not been without challenges. But despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions, a still fragile economic climate and farmers' protests, we are continuing with positive figures once more, showing even stronger growth in the first quarter.
"Alongside container throughput, other product groups are also experiencing a positive trend. Moreover, despite these challenges, we remain committed to advancing our pioneering role in the energy transition, including initiatives such as shore power projects and truck charging infrastructure."
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9240700000922
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