2013 Annual Report – “Everything is Possible
at the Port of Antwerp”

11 Apr 2014

In the 2013 Annual Report we start by looking back over the past year. 2013 was indeed a good year for the port of Antwerp, in which we set a new record with a total freight volume of 190.8 million tonnes, representing growth of 3.6%.

While the container volume contracted slightly as a result of the economic recession, this was more than made up by the excellent figures for liquid bulk, up by 31.4%. These growth figures demonstrate that the investments by private companies in combination with the targeted efforts by the Port Authority and the various trade associations are bearing fruit.

2013 was also characterised by the continued increase in the size of container carriers, with units of 18,000 TEU entering service. Another significant development was the setting up of the P3 network, whose choice of Antwerp as a port of call not only reinforces our port’s position in the worldwide supply chain but also confirms Antwerp’s firm place among top-ranking world ports. The problem-free call by the Mary Maersk (18,000 TEU) once more confirms the ease of access for even the largest container ships and shows that the deepening of the Scheldt has been a success.

Maintaining and further developing our position as a major world port remains the most important task facing Antwerp Port Authority along with the various stakeholders. In the 2013 Annual Report we look at the different ways in which the Port Authority dealt with this challenge in 2013. What were the main events, and how did we as a port authority react to them? Which choices were made, which new initiatives were taken, and how were these put into practice?

As well as looking at the strategic, operational and commercial activities of the Port Authority we also consider its contribution to society. Communicating with local people and keeping them informed is one of our basic responsibilities which is done in various attractive ways including bus tours of the port, exhibitions and the new “Haven & Goed” port newsletter.

Finally we look in detail at the financial results for the past year. Antwerp Port Authority made a profit of 54.7 million euros in 2013. This result was more modest than the previous year, due to among other things higher provision for pensions and environmental risks.

As is now our custom the Annual Report is available in digital form only at www.portofantwerp.com. This year we have added a paging function for ease of reading. For those who wish a printed copy a PDF can easily be downloaded. A photograph gallery completes the review of the year.

U can find the Annual Report 2013 here.

Antwerp Port Authority, press release