Strong first quarter results for the Port of Antwerp /16 May 2001/

The maritime cargo turnover in the Port of Antwerp during the first three months of this year amounted to 32.457.585 tonnes, the month of March being the highest with 11.042.458 tonnes. Compared with the same period of the previous year - in itself excellent - this represents an increase of 4,2%.

General cargo container traffic also followed this trend, with a 3,6% increase as compared to the exceptionally strong first quarter of 2000. During the first three months of this year 11.343.858 tonnes of containerised cargo were handled. Expressed in units, container transhipments increased by some 2,4% to 1.013.540 TEU.

As compared to the record figure achieved in 2000, conventional general cargo declined with 10% to 4.121.212 tonnes. If we match this figure with the traffic figure of 1999 it shows an increase of 11,1%. The main products which caused this decrease are steel products (-10,3%), paper and cellulose (-15,4%) and fruit (-19,7%). The volume of rolling stock remained unchanged.

Transhipment of bulk goods rose considerably, registering a 10% increase. This represents a total volume of 15.520.513 tonnes. The main contender which contributed to this increase is the handling of dry bulk goods, which rose by 16,9% to 7.233.487 tonnes. Not only ores (31,1%), but coal (13,1%), grain (25,4%) sand and gravel (38,1%) all registered impressive increases. Transhipment of liquid bulk goods continues to rise (4.6%). Crude oil, chemicals and derivatives all played a role in this increase.

During the first quarter of this year a total of 3.929 vessels called at the Port of Antwerp, representing a decrease of 76 vessels as compared to the same period in 2000.

Source: Port Authority, Port of Antwerp