Antwerp, leading port litmus test of global geopolitical tensions
The Belgian port recorded an interchange of 271 million tonnes, down 5.5 per cent on 2022. Liquids trade decreased by 2.1 per cent. Container transport fell by 6.3 per cent, in tonne terms. At the same time, the port gained market share compared to Rotterdam and Le Havre
by our correspondent Beda Romano
3' min read
3' min read
ANTWERP - Lingering international political uncertainty - marked by the war in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine and tensions between China and the United States over the future of Taiwan - has become a crucial factor in global port management. Against this increasingly worrying backdrop, the Belgian port of Antwerp/Bruges, one of Europe's most important ports, this week warned about its performance in the current year, following a rather disappointing 2023.
The figures for the year just ended reflect the difficult political and economic situation, both in Europe and worldwide. On the goods side, the port recorded an interchange of 271 million tonnes, down 5.5% compared to 2022. Liquids trade, from oil to gas, decreased by 2.1%. Container transport fell by 6.3%, in tonne terms. At the same time, the port of Antwerp/Bruges gained market share compared to Rotterdam and Le Havre.
Also connected with northern Italy, the Belgian port centre is among the most important internationally. According to the latest statistics, the Flemish port on the river Scheldt is Europe's leading port in exports and Europe's leading port in vehicle transport. It also hosts the continent's most important chemical platform and is, in absolute terms, the 13th largest port in the world in freight traffic. It is also, unwillingly, one of the main gateways for cocaine into Europe.
Chinese economy under special surveillance
.The gaze runs to 2024. 'A lot will depend on the development of the Chinese and German economies, on which we depend in many areas,' explains the Belgian company's CEO, Jacques Vandermeiren. 'I don't expect big changes in the first part of the year, compared to 2023. We could say we are happy if we manage to register a slight growth in 2024'. In truth, the fear is that we will see a blockage of routes through the Red Sea or the Formosa Strait.
"All ship owners are looking for alternatives to the routes they usually use," adds the Belgian executive. "It is inevitable that the continuing uncertainty will have an impact on routes. We certainly cannot exclude that some ports will be, so to speak, skipped." Via the Red Sea, the journey of a ship between Shanghai and Antwerp is 35-40 days. It rises to 55 days if the ship has to circumnavigate the Cape of Good Hope off South Africa.
