The Competition College of the Belgian Competition Authority has approved on 7 January 2022 the merger between the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge.
The investigation focused on the impact of the concentration on markets for port concessions and general and specific port services for containers, fluid bulk and ro-ro cargo.
The College has decided, in line with the proposal of the competition prosecutor, that the concentration is unlikely to give rise to consequences that would prevent approval.
However, once the merger process is finalized, the two ports will operate as an integrated port enterprise — Haven van Antwerpen-Brugge / Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
As explained, the ports see the merger as an opportunity to strengthen their position within the global supply chain especially as they transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Concluding, as part of a joint plan, the two ports defined three strategic priorities – sustainable growth, resilience and leadership in the energy and digital transition.
