All Other Belgium Ports, Belgium

Port Overview

Belgium hosts several significant ports beyond its primary facilities. The Port of Ghent, located along the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, ranks as one of Europe's largest inland ports, handling over 48 million tonnes annually and specializing in dry bulk, steel, and automotive industries. The Port of Ostend in West Flanders serves as a crucial hub for offshore wind energy development and construction materials. The Port of Brussels, Belgium's second-largest inland port, handles approximately 5 million tonnes of containerized and bulk cargo, supporting the capital's urban logistics. The Port of Liège stands as Europe's third-largest inland port after Duisburg and Paris, spanning 26 kilometers along the Meuse River with direct connections to major seaports. These ports collectively strengthen Belgium's multimodal transport network and contribute significantly to the nation's €32 billion maritime economy.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Belgium's other major ports include Port of Zeebrugge, known for vehicle transshipment, and Port of Brussels, which accommodates transport and logistics companies. Key facilities outside Antwerp include specialized terminals for breakbulk cargo and vehicle handling. Equipment typically includes dock-mounted cranes and logistics support systems. These ports contribute significantly to Belgium's maritime trade, offering diverse cargo handling capabilities and strategic locations.

Container Terminals

Belgium's ports, aside from Antwerp, include Zeebrugge and others. Zeebrugge is a significant container hub with a focus on ro-ro and breakbulk cargo. There are 44 container terminals across Belgium, with major operators like DP World and others managing these facilities. Automation levels vary, with some terminals investing in advanced technologies to enhance efficiency. The number of berths and capacity can differ significantly among these ports, with Zeebrugge offering substantial ro-ro capacity.

Port Services

Main Services at Belgium Ports

Belgium's ports, particularly Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and others, offer comprehensive maritime services:

Container Operations: Full container handling including gate operations for trucks, barges, and rail; vessel loading/discharge; depot services; container stuffing and stripping at freight stations.

Cargo Handling: Specialized stevedoring for RoRo cargo, breakbulk, project cargo, heavy-lift, iron & steel, bulk commodities, and general cargo with lashing and securing services.

Warehousing & Storage: Short and long-term storage facilities, rack storage, and bonded warehouses with value-added services including packaging, labeling, and cargo conditioning.

Transport & Logistics: Multimodal connections via road, rail, and barge; customs clearance support; and integrated logistics management for smooth cargo flows.

Global Connectivity

All other Belgium ports, including Ghent, Brussels, Ostend, Liège, and numerous inland terminals, offer robust connectivity via integrated road, rail, and inland waterway networks. These ports serve key regions such as Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels, supporting industries like steel, automotive, agro-food, and logistics. Shipping routes link Belgium directly to major European markets, the UK, Scandinavia, and global destinations, ensuring efficient access for international trade.

Port Statistics

All Other Belgium Ports (excluding Antwerp-Bruges) collectively handle an estimated 1.5–2 million TEU annually, ranking outside the world’s top 50 container ports. Key ports include North Sea Port (Ghent), Zeebrugge (now merged with Antwerp), Ostend, Brussels, and Liège. These ports offer approximately 40–60 berths combined and cover a total area of around 1,500–2,000 hectares. Major global shipping lines such as MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd call at these ports, supporting both short-sea and inland shipping.