In order to support companies in the port in these exceptional circumstances, Antwerp Port Authority has agreed to let them delay payment of port dues for seagoing ships and barges.
Because of the problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the Antwerp port community has asked the Port Authority for support measures.
The Port Authority has agreed to extend the payment deadline for port dues to 48 days instead of 30 days for barges and 18 days for seagoing ships.
This deferment of payment applies to all ships calling the port of Antwerp from 1 May to 30 June, and may subsequently be extended if necessary. For maritime shipping, this delay is applied to tonnage dues and berthing dues.
A similar deferment is being prepared for concessions and will be submitted to the Port of Authority Board of Directors for discussion at the end of May.
These measures will keep Port of Antwerp competitive with neighbouring ports. Antwerp Port Authority and Alfaport-VOKA will keep a close watch on the situation, in consultation with each other.
Earlier this month, Port of Antwerp announced collaboration with tech company Rombit, which has developed a digital bracelet that ensures social distancing and permits contact tracing, to prevent corona infection on the workfloor.
