The port of Antwerp handled 42 million metric tonnes (mt) of freight in the first three months of this year, up 12.7% on the same period in 2009, Portworld reports citing the Port Authority statement. Figures released by the Port Authority on Thursday said container volumes were close to pre-recession levels of 2008. Antwerp's first quarter (Q1) container volumes, in terms of tonnage, were up 20.1% to 24,333,081 mt.
In terms of standard twenty-foot containers (TEUs), the number was 2,013,236 ,15.9% more than in Q1 2009.
“Antwerp once more confirms its position as the second-largest container port in Europe,” said a statement from the Port Authority.
Not all categories of cargo were up. Breakbulk volumes were slightly down, and the volume of steel products moving through the port slumped more than 20%. The volume of liquid and dry bulk rose overall by 7.8%, to 14.3 million mt. In particular there was a rise of 47.1% in the volume of crude oil. Containers in Q1 made up 58% of the total freight volume.
A total of 3,499 seagoing ships called at Antwerp in the first three months of the year, 2.7% more than in the same period in 2009.
“Antwerp aims to expand its position in all categories and types of freight. It will continue to focus on the future-oriented synergy between industry, cargo handling and logistics that inspires more and more ports,” said port alderman Marc Van Peel.