Ready for expansion at the Port of Antwerp

Wim Dillen, senior business development manager with the Port of Antwerp, is clear about this: they want to be there to facilitate the expected growth. Wim Dillen explains that there will indeed be growth. “Today there is less industry, which will increase the need for imports at the same time as innovative companies in the hinterland will cause exports to grow. There is also a growing world population, which is expected to lead to increased migration towards Europe.” The number 1 banana port in the world nowadays receives over 4,600 container vessels a year. On a yearly basis, 1.4 million kilos of fruit—mainly bananas, pineapples, apples and stone fruit—is handled from over 400 specialized reefer vessels. The Port of Antwerp has a lot to offer to its customers. Wim Dillen: “There are no monopolies in the Port of Antwerp; our customers can choose their preferred terminal and are thus able to shape their strategy without anyone looking on. The Port of Antwerp is a complete deep-sea port that allows access for all types of vessels. Since our port is a deep-sea inland port, the goods are 80 kilometers closer to the customers, offering sustainability and transportation advantages.”  The Port of Antwerp is under continuous development to meet the ever-changing demands of its customers. Wim Dillen: “A lot of potential capacity is available; the Flemish authorities are making 1,100 hectares available for expansion.” Wim Dillen is positive about the future: “There will be growth and people have to eat perishables, too.”