Throughput of the port of Antwerp dropped in 2009 by 20% - to 158 million tones

Cargo throughput of the Belgian port of Antwerp, according to the port authorities’ preliminary data, in 2009 shows a sharp year-over-year decline at 20% - to 158 million tons. Container turnover at the port decreased by 14.1% - to 87 million tons. The port activity hit by global crisis has led to record fall in the transshipment of conventional general cargo, where the reduction reached some 40%. Handling of bulk cargoes, ore and coal in particular, decreased by 35%.

After consecutive seven record years, the authorities said, the port of Antwerp is facing with fall in volumes caused by economy recession.

Antwerp is the second in cargo throughput leading port in Europe, following port of Rotterdam. The reduction in cargo handling at the port of Rotterdam in 2009 was significantly less - 8.5%.

(Source: Transport Weekly)