Port of Antwerp-Bruges closed 2025 with resilient container performance, despite a year marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and widespread disruption across global supply chains.
Total maritime freight reached 266.5 million tonnes, down 4.1% year on year. The decline was mainly driven by sharp drops in liquid and dry bulk. In contrast, container traffic remained stable, reinforcing the port’s role as a core European logistics hub.
Containers held firm
Container throughput reached 149.5 million tonnes, up 0.4%, while total volume rose to 13.63 million TEU, an increase of 0.7%. The stable performance came despite terminal congestion, alliance reshuffling, rerouted cargo, and industrial action.
The figures confirm the strategic importance of Antwerp-Bruges for global container trade. They also underline the urgent need for additional capacity. The port’s market share in the Hamburg–Le Havre range slipped to 29.3%, reflecting congestion constraints rather than weaker demand. This has accelerated projects such as Extra Container Capacity Antwerp (ECA).
Global trade pressure reshapes flows
Geopolitical conflicts, trade disputes between the US, Europe, and China, and volatile markets disrupted trade patterns throughout the year. The United States emerged as the port’s largest trade partner, handling 31.3 million tonnes, supported by higher LNG imports.
Container imports from China increased by 3.8%, further widening the trade imbalance with the Far East. China also became the leading origin for car imports.
At the same time, higher US tariffs reduced exports of iron, steel, and vehicles. In Zeebrugge, the ban on Russian LNG transshipment to non-EU destinations also weighed on energy volumes.
Operational strain remains high
From January to July, disrupted schedules, rerouted cargo, and the transition to new container alliances added severe pressure to terminals. Around 25 days of industrial action affected all cargo segments and led to an estimated 2.4 million tonnes in lost volume.
Cargo segments show mixed trends
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Liquid bulk: 72.8 million tonnes (-12.9%)
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Dry bulk: 13.1 million tonnes (-12.1%)
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Conventional breakbulk: 10.2 million tonnes (+1.6%)
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RoRo: 20.9 million tonnes (+3.0%)
In total, 20,236 seagoing vessels called at the port in 2025, a slight increase of 0.2%. Cruise calls fell to 166, carrying 466,089 passengers.
Looking ahead
Port of Antwerp-Bruges will focus in 2026 on safety, transition, and infrastructure. Major projects such as ECA and the New Zeebrugge Lock will move forward, supported by Flemish Government funding.
The port said stable container volumes confirm its central position in the European logistics chain, while also highlighting the need for capacity, digital resilience, and long-term investment to support sustainable growth.
