More containers
The Port of Antwerp has an area of more than 13 000 hectare. "We are the second largest port in Europe. We processed a total of 214 million tonnes in 2016. Of this, 118 million tonnes was products from containers and 8,6 million tonnes from reefer containers. "There is a visible growth of 1 million tonnes of perishable goods over a period of three years. In 2016 the Port of Antwerp processed 9,2 million perishables." The two terminals in the port, where conventional fruit ships are also moored, are the Eurofruitports and BNFW.
The Maersk container giant moored in the Port of Antwerp.
New lines
Maartje says the Port of Antwerp is situated in a central, attractive location. "We have a good connection with the inland. Ships leave for continents all over the world from here on a daily basis. We have recently acquired various new services in the perishables area. We are the first port of call for the CMA-CGM lines from the Caribbean, the AEL from West Africa and the MSC & HLAG from Chile, Peru and Panama."
Growth in container numbers
In 1990 only 16% of products were transported in containers. Today, it is more than 50%. Dries van Gheluwe admits that the fast customs at Antwerp is a big advantage. "In addition we are frontrunners in the area of innovation. We successfully launched a pilot project around the e-certification of organic fruit. This Customs project's goal was to make the process of importing organic bananas run more smoothly. The port worked in collaboration with the Customs Department. Both companies tested to see whether paper certification could be replaced by a digital, faster version. It was a success. The EU has decided to implement this system in the whole of Europe by 2018. Belfruco, the Peruvian Customs Department and the Flemish Ministry of Agriculture were involved in this project."
Mexico
Maartje also discussed trends and hot topics, such as Brexit. "The UK is one of our major buyers. Our viewpoint is that business should continue as usual, with as few obstacles as possible." Mexico's agricultural and export sectors are growing swiftly, according to her. "This country offers a lot of potential for Europe. They export a lot of avocados, mangoes and papayas." Maartje looks towards China as an export market. Here, the middle class is expanding rapidly and European foodstuffs are gaining popularity.
For more information:
Maartje Driessens
Business Development Manager
Havenbedrijf Antwerpen NV
Havenhuis
Zaha Hadidplein 1
2030 Antwerpen, België
+32 3 229 65 98
Maartje.Driessens@portofantwerp.com
www.portofantwerp.com