Flattering half year results for the Port of Antwerp /19 Jul 2001/

The maritime turnover of goods in the Port of Antwerp during the first six months of this year amounted to 65,595,643 tonnes. Compared with the same period of the previous record year, when 63,476,127 tonnes were handled, this represents an increase of 3.3%. The highest ever monthly result was achieved in May 2001, recording 11,952,476 tonnes.

The growth of container traffic has slowed down, but for the first six months of this year maintains itself at 4%. All major European container ports have shown a similar growth deceleration and in certain cases even a relapse of container traffic. During the first six months of this year 22,849,123 tonnes of containerised cargo were handled in Antwerp, as compared to 22,002,185 tonnes in the year 2000. Expressed in units, container handling increased by +/- 3% to 2,058,002 TEU. Taken over a broader time span, the port has realised a cumulated growth of container traffic of 10% per annum over the last decade.

Outward bound conventional general cargo was able to maintain the high level recorded in 2000, but almost all the inward bound goods declined on average by 14% . The volume of rolling stock on the other hand grew. As compared to 1999 the handling of conventional general cargo increased by 14%. Maritime turnover of bulk goods in the port of Antwerp rose considerably, both in the dry as also liquid cargoes. The main contender which contributed to this increase is the handling of liquid bulk goods, which rose by 7.1% to 17,128,128 tonnes. This was closely followed by dry bulk goods which registered a 5.4% growth, as a result of increased inward bound ore and coal.

During the first half of 2001 a total of 7,986 vessels called at the Port of Antwerp, representing a decrease of 63 vessels as compared to the same period in 2000.

Source: Port of Antwerp, Port Authority