Representatives from the Ports of Indiana and Port of Antwerp-Bruges met in Antwerp to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aiming to advance critical economic and environmental initiatives for the ports.
This significant agreement formalizes a commitment from the partners to collaborate on enhancing economic growth, container shipping, decarbonization, port security, and technology integration.
The meeting featured Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana, Wim Dillen, International Development Manager for Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and delegates from the Applied Research Institute of Indianapolis and Voka, the largest business network in Flanders.
The MoU builds on previous collaborations between the ports, a recent trade mission to Belgium by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in June, and a prior MoU signed on 8 December 2023, between the State of Indiana and the Government of Flanders, which emphasized cooperation and information sharing between the Ports of Indiana and Flemish seaports.
The new agreement will explore opportunities to enhance container trade supporting industries such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, microelectronics, clean energy, life sciences, agriculture, hardwoods, steel, and soybean production.
It also reaffirms Ports of Indiana’s dedication to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Regional Maritime Strategy, which focuses on expanding trade with Antwerp for steel, grain, and breakbulk cargoes.
Additionally, the MoU aims to strengthen each participant’s commitment to decarbonization by sharing best practices and developing a potential “Green Shipping Route” from Belgium to Indiana to significantly cut carbon emissions compared to traditional supply chains.
