Port of Antwerp-Bruges: Container Throughput Recovers Amidst Challenging Context
Container traffic saw a strong recovery in Q3 2026, but total cargo transshipment is slightly down.
By Rédaction Objectif PME
••3 min read
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The Port of Antwerp-Bruges experienced a notable recovery in container transshipment in the third quarter of 2026, achieving its best performance since late 2020, despite a 0.8% decrease in total cargo transshipment over the first nine months.
Following a first half-year affected by adverse weather conditions, nautical supply chain strikes, and an oil spill, the start of the third quarter was also disrupted by an incident involving a leaking fluoracid container at the Deurganckdok in mid-July.
Container transshipment increased by 1.2% in TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) over the first nine months of 2026. In tonnes, the volume remains 0.6% lower than last year. This growth was driven by empty containers (+11.7% in TEUs), while full container transshipment decreased by 1.3%, highlighting an imbalance between imports and exports.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to influence cargo flows, with no GNL or diesel imports from the region since March and May respectively. Shipping companies have adapted routes, leading to a 70% drop in container imports to the Persian Gulf.
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"The strong recovery in container transshipment in the third quarter shows the resilience of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. At the same time, the context remains difficult. Trade barriers, high energy prices, and the weakness of European industry weigh on various cargo flows. That is why we must continue to invest in efficiency, capacity, and competitiveness, so that Port of Antwerp-Bruges can continue to play its role as a logistical and industrial engine, even in a context of instability."
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"Geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts increasingly influence international cargo flows. It is therefore important to broaden our trade relations and conquer new growth markets. In this regard, India offers great opportunities. The free trade agreement with the European Union could give new impetus to trade. Port of Antwerp-Bruges wishes to leverage this situation and further strengthen its position as a gateway between India and Europe."
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"The figures show the extent to which international developments impact our ports. Energy flows are shifting, trade routes are adapting, and markets are changing rapidly. The strength of Port of Antwerp-Bruges lies in the fact that we can handle a wide range of cargo flows from Antwerp and Zeebrugge. This complementarity makes us resilient in an ever-changing world."
Liquid bulk remained under pressure, with declining volumes of petroleum products, chemicals, and GNL, attributed to weak European industrial demand and high energy prices.
Miscellaneous bulk transshipment decreased by 16.6%, primarily due to a decline in iron and steel, impacted by European quotas and energy costs. However, fruits and vegetables saw an increase.
RoRo transshipment grew by 5.5%, mainly driven by strong growth in new cars (+9.3%), particularly from China and Japan. Trade with Ireland and Scandinavia also increased, while traffic with the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula decreased. Dry bulk also saw a growth of 13%, mainly due to increased volumes of iron ore.
