The Port of Antwerp
Antwerp is blessed with a world port. In 2009 the Port of Antwerp handled 157.8 million tons of goods, making it one of Europe’s leading harbours. The port holds the European pole-position with regards to steel, timber products, coffee and tobacco shipping, and has witnessed a massive growth in container freight over the last few years. The port region also houses the second largest chemical cluster in the world. The port is also an important generator of cargo. Compared with other western European ports, Antwerp has a good balance between imports and exports in most freight categories. This striking feature of Antwerp is closely related to its central location with respect to the hinterland: from Antwerp the most important centres of consumption and production in Europe can all be easily reached, by road, rail or barge transport. The presence in Antwerp of more than 300 transport companies contributes to its excellent ability to attract cargo.



Other significant advantages
Compared to other major harbours in the Hamburg-Le Havre range, Antwerp comes out top in many respects. The port is located far inland (80 km from the North Sea coastline), which means that the rail- and truck-link for goods is much shorter. The upshot of this is a dramatic cut in costs.

Further, there is no harbour congestion, productivity is very high, and the port has over five million m² in covered storage space available (more than Rotterdam, Hamburg and Le Havre combined). And expansion is a never-ending quest. Even the biggest ships can now easily access Antwerp, as demonstrated by the 14,000 TEU ship MSC Beatrice in April 2009. In short, this multifunctional harbour has everything required to constitute your perfect gateway to Europe.

More information on the port of Antwerp can be found at the website of the Antwerp Port Authority.

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