For the first half of 2023, the port of Antwerp-Bruges has announced that total throughput amounted to 139 million tonnes, -5.5% compared with the first half of 2022. The uncertain economic situation, falling industrial production and low consumer confidence are leading to a global slowdown in demand for container transport. The port of Antwerp-Bruges recorded a decline in container handling of -5.9% in tonnes and -5.2% in TEUs compared with the first half of 2022. 

 

In contrast to these falls in container throughput, the number of reefer containers rose by +10.6% compared with the 1st half of 2022. Most of these containers carried fruit: bananas, kiwis, pineapples, melons, citrus fruit, lychees, etc. These perishable products require the expertise and specialisation of the terminals, cold stores and logistics service providers that make the port of Antwerp-Bruges the largest fruit port in Europe.