In 2025, Antwerp-Bruges Port lost cargo and market share due to labor strikes and congestion, impacting its competitiveness, says CEO Jacques Vandermeiren.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges lost cargo volumes and market share in 2025 due to labor action and congestion, its chief executive said, reported London's S&P Global.
Port CEO Jacques Vandermeiren stated that the port endured approximately 25 days of industrial action last year, resulting in a loss of 2.4 million tonnes of cargo, or one percent of annual throughput, as carriers diverted to other ports. Container throughput was virtually flat, rising only 0.7 percent to 13.6 million TEU.
Mr. Vandermeiren noted that inland transport delays, particularly on rail, were even longer. He mentioned during an online briefing that carriers preferred other ports rather than waiting, adding that he was unsure if the loss of services was permanent.
Container traffic remained the largest contributor to Antwerp-Bruges, accounting for 150 million tonnes of the 267 million tonnes handled. However, overall cargo volumes, including dry and liquid bulk, fell four percent year on year.
The port lost market share to rivals in the Hamburg-Le Havre range, slipping 1.2 percentage points to 29.3 percent. Mr. Vandermeiren cited diversions around southern Africa, unpredictable US tariff policies, and the launch of the Maersk/Hapag-Lloyd Gemini Cooperation as additional pressures.
Portcast data indicated that vessels waiting to berth in Antwerp during the fourth quarter were 35 percent higher than a year earlier.
Mr. Vandermeiren observed that US tariffs on China boosted container imports from China by 3.8 percent, although exports to China fell by 3.3 percent. He expressed optimism that alliance stability and improved handling would ease congestion this year.
He was hopeful that labor relations would improve, especially among marine pilots negotiating a new organization. 'The discussions are evolving well in a constructive atmosphere,' he stated.
Mr. Vandermeiren emphasized that congestion underscored the urgency of $6 billion in projects, including an initiative to add 7.1 million TEU of capacity through new dock space and the expansion of the North Sea terminal. The Flemish government has approved part of the work, with construction expected to begin this year and in 2027, finishing by 2032-33.
