Port of Antwerp-Bruges sees strong recovery in container throughput in volatile trading environment
In the first nine months of 2026, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 200.9 million tonnes of goods, 0.8% less than in the same period last year. After a first half of the year marked by consecutive operational disruptions, container throughput recovered strongly: the third quarter was the best since late 2020. At the same time, geopolitical ...
In 2026's first nine months, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 200.9 million tonnes of cargo, slightly down 0.8% from the same period the previous year. Following a challenging first half with disruptions, container throughput surged in Q3, marking the best performance since late 2020. However, geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, and a sluggish European manufacturing sector continue to impact various cargo movements.
A notable container carrying hydrofluoric acid caused disruptions in the Deurganck Dock in mid-July. Post-August, volumes rebounded, resulting in the highest performance since Q4 2020, with a 1.2% increase in TEUs over the first nine months. Tonally, volume was 0.6% below last year's levels. Growth was driven by empty containers (+11.7% in TEUs), while full containers saw a 1.3% decline.
Rising imports and export pressures are creating an imbalance, necessitating the repositioning of empty containers, especially to Asia. The Middle East conflict has also affected cargo flows; no LNG from Qatar arrived since March, and Middle Eastern diesel supplies ceased mid-May. Container shipping lines have adjusted routes and sailing schedules to accommodate these changes.
Consequently, exports to the Persian Gulf dropped by 70%, while Middle East exports increased nearly fivefold. Despite the strong Q3 recovery, the operational landscape remains challenging. Geopolitical tensions, high energy prices, and a weak European industrial sector put pressure on several cargo flows. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges must continue investing in efficiency, capacity, and competitiveness to maintain its role as a critical logistical and industrial hub amidst global volatility.
Johan Klaps, Port of Antwerp-Bruges' Chairman, emphasized the need for diversifying trade relations and tapping new growth markets, highlighting India's potential. Dirk De fauw, Port Alderman for Antwerp, underscored the importance of leveraging opportunities like the EU free trade agreement to boost trade volumes. The port's resilience comes from its dual operations in Antwerp and Zeebrugge, enabling it to handle diverse cargo flows.
Liquid bulk cargo faced a downward trend, falling again from June due to weak European industrial demand, high energy prices, and the CBAM. Conventional general cargo dropped by 16.6%, primarily due to the decline in iron and steel (-17.5%). Fruit and vegetable imports grew by 7.6%, while RoRo traffic rose by 5.5%, mainly driven by new car imports from China and Japan.
Dry bulk saw a 13% increase, mainly due to higher iron ore volumes. However, fertiliser imports declined by 1.1%.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
