Shipping
CONTAINER TRAFFIC UP AT PORT OF ANTWERP-BRUGES, TOTAL THROUGHPUT DROPS
July 15, 2025

In the first six months of 2025, the total throughput of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges declined by 4.3% year-over-year, reaching 137.2 million tonnes, with growth in container and RoRo traffic, but a decline in dry and liquid bulk volumes.

 

The port noted that congestion at terminals, driven by a mix of logistical challenges and market developments, remains a persistent issue across Northwest Europe.

 

Nonetheless, Port of Antwerp-Bruges said a "standout trend" is the continuing surge in trade with the United States, reinforcing its robust position on transatlantic routes.

 

Container growth, capacity constraints


Port of Antwerp-Bruges noted that container traffic held up well, increasing by 3.6% in tonnage (to 77 million tonnes) and 3.7% in TEUs (6.91 million TEUs) compared to the first half of 2024.

 

However, persistent congestion puts terminal capacity under heavy strain; a challenge felt across Northwest Europe.

 

"Several factors are contributing to the current congestion. Container ship arrivals remain irregular due to disruptions dating back to the Covid crisis, further exacerbated by rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Red Sea," the port said.

 

It added that the recent reshuffling of container alliances has also temporarily led to simultaneous vessel calls and high cargo volumes.

 

"Poor schedule reliability is complicating terminal planning: containers remain on site longer, and vessels are arriving with increasingly large loads. As a result, average dwell times have increased to 7–8 days, compared to the usual 5 days," Port of Antwerp-Bruges said, adding that overcrowded terminals require additional container movements, placing extra strain on personnel and equipment.

 

On top of this, national union actions have added further operational pressure.

 

"While waterside congestion and the associated waiting times for vessels remain currently relatively limited, the landside impact on terminals is critical," the port said. "Therefore, additional space for container handling is necessary."

 

It noted that its Extra Container Capacity Antwerp (ECA) project will address this, through the construction of a new dock and more efficient use of existing space.

 

Port of Antwerp-Bruges said liquid bulk throughput fell by 17.1% in H1 2025, mainly due to sharp declines in fuels, naphtha, and LNG. Dry bulk throughput fell by 11%, due to lower coal and construction material volumes.

 

The port noted that impact on non-containerised general cargo segments remained "more limited." It said that conventional general cargo was less affected overall, but still declined by 4.3%, particularly due to weaker steel and iron traffic.

 

Outlook uncertain for second half 2025

 

Meanwhile, Port of Antwerp-Bruges said in the first half of 2025, traffic with the United States grew by 17.2% to 16.4 million tonnes — confirming the US as Port of Antwerp-Bruges' second most important trading partner, after the United Kingdom. At the same time, the port remains the largest European export port to the US.

 

The port noted that imports from the US increased by 13.1% to 9.7 million tonnes, with higher volumes in both containers and liquid bulk, including LNG and other energy gases. Exports to the US rose by 23.5% to 6.7 million tonnes, mainly driven by fuels and dry bulk.

 

"The outlook for the second half of 2025 remains uncertain. Much will depend on a potential trade agreement between the EU and the US by August 1st, which could restore greater certainty and predictability in the supply chain," Port of Antwerp-Bruges said.

 

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges, noted that in a challenging economic climate, the port continues to demonstrate resilience. "The growth in container traffic proves the strong foundations of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, even as bulk traffic comes under pressure and congestion is felt across North-West Europe."

 

"Our consistently strong trade relationship with the United States confirms our role as a transatlantic gateway to Europe. At the same time, current capacity pressures and operational challenges highlight the need for additional container infrastructure. With the ECA project, we are focused on building for the future so that we can continue to support sustainable growth," he added.