Port of Antwerp: traffic results better then expected /24 Oct 2001/

During the first nine months of this year the traffic of maritime goods amounted to 96.947.286 tonnes. In comparison with the same period of the previous year, when 96.338.875 tonnes were handled, this represents an increase of 0,6%.

Container traffic growth, as compared to 2000, has slowed down but still maintains itself at 3%. Most of the major European container ports presently show a growth deceleration and in certain cases even a relapse of container traffic. During the first three quarters of 2001 34.126.300 tonnes of containerised goods were handled in Antwerp, as compared to 33.141.797 tonnes for the same period in the year 2000. Expressed in units, container transhipments increased by 2% to 3.104.466 TEU.

Outward bound conventional general cargo maintained its 2000 level. Inward bound goods continued to decline. On the other hand rolling stock showed positive results (10,6%).

Traffic of bulk goods in the port of Antwerp, both dry as also liquid cargoes, showed growth figures. The main contributor to this growth was shown by liquid bulk goods, rising by 3,7% to 25.724125 tonnes. Dry bulk goods registered a 0,7% growth.

During the first nine months of 2001 a total of 11.993 sea-going vessels called at the port of Antwerp, representing a decrease of 114 vessels as compared to the same period in the year 2000.

Taking into consideration the overall economic climate the results for the third quarter of this year are satisfying. Expectations for the last quarter of this year remain sombre, with a further stagnation or even a decline as compared to the exceptionally strong results recorded during the last quarter of 2000.

Source: Port of Antwerp, Port Authority