Port of Antwerp hosts Breakbulk Europe 2014 Expo
The world’s leading breakbulk players will be meeting in Antwerp Expo from 12 to 14 May, with the main sponsor being the Port of Antwerp. The exhibition gives both global and local breakbulk operators the opportunity to network and catch up with current trends, while also providing a platform to meet the needs of logistics professionals in traditional breakbulk and project cargo, the Port of Antwerp press release said.
The world’s leading breakbulk players will be meeting in Antwerp Expo from 12 to 14 May, with the main sponsor being the Port of Antwerp. The exhibition gives both global and local breakbulk operators the opportunity to network and catch up with current trends, while also providing a platform to meet the needs of logistics professionals in traditional breakbulk and project cargo.
Antwerp for its part is the largest breakbulk port in Europe. Not only is it the European leader for handling project cargo, steel and fruit, it is also the most important port in the world for storing coffee. The port handles more than 15 million tonnes of breakbulk cargo per year, while continuing to invest and create additional capacity. For example, Zuidnatie purchased two new mobile cranes each with a lifting capacity of 200 tonnes, Antwerp Steinweg Terminal is investing 4.5 million euros to upgrade its terminal in the Albert dock, and NHS is opening a new terminal in the Churchill dock costing 9 million euros. At the exhibition the Port of Antwerp will be giving the Canadian shipping company Fednav the opportunity to celebrate its 70th anniversary and 50 years of presence in Antwerp.
“Customers continue to trust their cargo to the Port of Antwerp because of our customer-oriented, ’get things done’ mentality, our flexibility and our expertise,” declared Port Authority CEO Eddy Bruyninckx. “This customer-oriented attitude also forms the basis of our international branding campaign: ‘Everything is possible at the port of Antwerp.’ The can-do mentality of our port is our greatest strength, as shown in the campaign by the many testimonials from customers. This is the best proof that the port of Antwerp is an essential link in the international supply chains, with the breakbulk segment playing a strategic role. New, innovative technologies, ongoing investment in infrastructure and superstructure, and expansion of our services will help to ensure that Antwerp remains the leading breakbulk port in Europe for many years to come.”
With over 5000 participants and more than 250 stands Breakbulk Europe 2014 has developed into the most important networking event in the sector. In addition to the busy exhibition programme there is also a “fun area” at the Port of Antwerp booth (402/H1), dedicated to the football World Cup in Brazil. The Breakbulk Antwerp Cup – a table football mini world cup for port professionals – will be held on the Port of Antwerp stand. Here, port professionals will be able to score not only in the business sphere but also on the green mat!
In the meantime attendees will be able to keep up the World Cup spirit by networking during the happy hours at the stand with football food. The Breakbulk Antwerp Cup will be held on Tuesday 13 May from 1800 to 2000 and on Wednesday 14 May from 1600 to 1800.