Annual report of 2013 presents excellent figures for the port – ‘Everything is possible’
2013 was indeed a good year for the port of Antwerp, in which a new record was set with a total freight volume of 190.8 million tonnes, representing growth of 3.6%.
While the container volume contracted slightly as a result of the economic recession, this was more than made up by the excellent figures for liquid bulk, up by 31.4%. These growth figures demonstrate that the investments by private companies in combination with the targeted efforts by the Port Authority and the various trade associations are bearing fruit.
2013 was also characterised by the continued increase in the size of container carriers, with units of 18,000 TEU entering service. Another significant development was the setting up of the P3 network, whose choice of Antwerp as a port of call not only reinforces our port’s position in the worldwide supply chain but also confirms Antwerp’s firm place among top-ranking world ports. The problem-free call by the Mary Maersk (18,000 TEU) once more confirms the ease of access for even the largest container ships and shows that the deepening of the Scheldt has been a success.
Maintaining and further developing our position as a major world port remains the most important task facing Antwerp Port Authority along with the various stakeholders. In the 2013 Annual Report it is examined at the different ways in which the Port Authority dealt with this challenge in 2013.
As well as looking at the strategic, operational and commercial activities of the Port Authority it is also considered its contribution to society. Communicating with local people and keeping them informed is one of the basic responsibilities which is done in various attractive ways including bus tours of the port, exhibitions and the new “Haven & Goed” port newsletter.
Antwerp Port Authority made a profit of 54.7 million euros in 2013. This result was more modest than the previous year, due to among other things higher provision for pensions and environmental risks.
Environmental policy The second Sustainability Report of the Port of Antwerp was published in October 2013 by Antwerp Port Authority. As part of making the maritime side of the port more sustainable, the Port Authority entered into a strategic alliance with the Exmar shipping company to develop an LNG bunker ship and to carry out the necessary engineering studies in the port. The aim of this collaboration is to promote the use of LNG as a ship’s fuel, seen as necessary to meet the stricter emission regulations that will come into force in 2015. However, it remains a challenge for ports to store LNG and make it available in a safe manner |
Further details may be found by reading the Annual Report: