Port of Antwerp-Bruges Surpasses Port of Rotterdam in Container Volume

In a surprise development, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges surpassed the Port of Rotterdam for container volume during the first quarter of 2025. Traditionally Europe’s second busiest port, Antwerp-Burges highlighted its market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre Range increased to 30.5 percent, and on a global level, the port climbed one position to reach 14 in the ranking of largest ports. However, the port is anticipating a tough period in the coming months related to the unrelenting tariff policy of Donald Trump.

Antwerp-Bruges released its first-quarter throughput performance highlighting the strength of its container business while reporting an overall decline largely driven by a sharp decrease in bulk volumes. Container throughput, however, was up 4.6 percent in tonnage and 4.5 percent in TEUs. The ports handled 3,436,000 TEUs. By comparison, the Port of Rotterdam, which has long dominated in Europe, reported a 2.2 percent increase in TEUs to 3,364,000.

Factors Affecting Throughput

The Belgian port attributed its growth to the transition to new alliances among liner companies, industrial actions including a paralyzing port strike, and congestion at other ports. Rotterdam, on the other hand, reported a tonnage decrease due to various factors including a decline in exports, transshipment containers, bad weather, and operational disputes at terminals.

During the quarter, Antwerp-Bruges handled 67.7 million tonnes of cargo, reporting a four percent overall decline, with the bulk categories experiencing the weakest performance. Liquid cargo recorded the sharpest decline, falling by 19.1 percent, impacted by various factors including changing market conditions in Africa.

Challenges and Uncertainties

Port of Antwerp-Bruges CEO, Jacques Vandermeiren, expressed concerns about the uncertain times ahead, emphasizing the need for robust economic policies to strengthen the industry. The United States, historically the port’s second-largest global trading partner, has imposed protectionist measures that are creating uncertainty.

Executives at the Port of Rotterdam echoed similar concerns, noting the volatility in world trade due to threatened import duties in the United States and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This uncertainty has affected throughput volumes and investment willingness.

Looking Ahead

As both ports navigate through challenging times, there is a shared commitment to working towards a competitive European investment climate. Despite the current uncertainties, both Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam are focusing on resilience and operational reliability to overcome the challenges ahead.

It remains crucial for European ports to adapt to changing global trade dynamics and geopolitical shifts to maintain their strategic positions in the maritime industry.