Strong container throughput restricts Q1 downturn at Port of Antwerp-Bruges

In the first quarter of 2025, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 67.7 million tonnes of cargo, a drop of 4.0% compared to the same period last year. This decline was largely driven by a sharp decrease in bulk volumes, while container throughput recorded growth.

The port says it continues to navigate global challenges such as shifting market dynamics, geopolitical tensions and the ongoing pressure on the European chemicals sector. With the United States as its second-largest trading partner, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is closely watching the evolving trade environment, as future tariff impacts become more pronounced.

Container throughput served as a key growth engine in the first quarter, rising 4.6% in tonnage and 4.5% in TEUs compared to the same period in 2024, despite geopolitical uncertainties and container alliance restructuring. The transition to the new alliances and strikes and congestion at other ports did, however, result in longer container dwell times and therefore put increased pressure on terminal capacity.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges' market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre Range increased to 30.5% in 2024, and on a global level, the port climbed from 15th to 14th place in the ranking of the largest container ports.