Freight News, Sea


Strikes and economy dent Antwerp-Bruges containers

[ July 17, 2026   //   ]

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 133.9 million tonnes of maritime cargo in the first half of 2026, down 2.4% compared with the same period last year. While ro ro grew (+5.9%) and bulk remained more or less stable (-1.3%), most of the decline was in general cargo segment, especially containers Antwerp-Bruges retained its market share.

TEUs fell by 1.5% compared to an exceptionally strong first half of 2025 while in tonnage terms the decline was 3.6%. Exports of full containers fell -5.7%, reflecting the weak export position of the Western European economy while empty containers rose (+13.7%), indicating a growing imbalance between import and export cargo.

The decline was exacerbated by a four-day strike in March resulted in an estimated loss of 100,000 TEU, followed by the oil spill in the Deurganck dock in April, which caused an additional loss of approximately 85,000 TEU. In June, industrial action by pilots once again caused disruptions and resulted in an estimated loss of 75,000 TEU.

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