Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the heart of Europe, is renowned for its stunning Grand Place and as the headquarters of the European Union.
Port Overview
Brussels, located in central Belgium, is the country’s capital and largest city, covering 161 square kilometers. As the core of the Brussels-Capital Region and home to over 1.2 million people, it ranks as Belgium’s leading urban center. Strategically, Brussels is a major European hub, hosting key European Union institutions and serving as a crossroads for international business, politics, and transport. The Port of Brussels handles approximately 5 million tonnes of cargo annually, with a container throughput of around 50,000 TEU, underscoring its regional logistical importance.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Brussels’ main port facilities include the TIR Logistics Centre for warehousing, a dedicated container terminal, and the Brussels Cruise Terminal for passenger vessels. Cargo operations focus on bulk and container handling, supported by trimodal connections (water, rail, road). The port is equipped with mobile cranes for cargo handling, but does not currently use AGVs. Key infrastructure includes two locks, four bridges, and the Harbour Master's Office for operational management.
Container Terminals
Brussels’ container terminals are located along the Brussels–Scheldt Maritime Canal, featuring several berths with a combined quay length of approximately 8.7 km. The port’s annual container capacity is modest compared to seaports, supporting urban logistics and multimodal transport. Automation is limited, with operations relying mainly on conventional handling methods. Major operators include Van Moer Logistics, Shipit, and Trafuco, under the management of the Port of Brussels Authority.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with regular connections to Antwerp; ongoing capacity expansion.
- Cargo operations: Stevedoring, bulk and general cargo handling, palletized goods transport, and distribution for building materials, energy products, and consumer goods.
- Ship services: Bunker fuel supply, fresh water, port captain (harbour master), navigation safety, and vessel assistance.
- Warehousing: Large storage centers and distribution hubs supporting urban logistics and retail supply chains.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance and regulatory support for import/export activities.
Global Connectivity
Brussels, Belgium, is strategically connected to major European ports like Antwerp and Zeebrugge, facilitating access to global maritime routes. The Port of Brussels, an inland hub, serves as a key logistics center, supporting trade across Europe. It connects via waterways to the North Sea, serving regions across Europe and providing efficient shipping routes to major markets through its extensive rail and road networks.
Port Statistics
Port of Brussels – Key Statistics (2025):
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 220,000 TEU annually
- World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top 100 container ports; main Belgian container hubs are Antwerp-Bruges and Zeebrugge
- Number of Berths: 5 main berths for seagoing vessels, plus several for inland barges
- Area: Covers about 85 hectares
- Shipping Lines: Serviced primarily by regional and European short-sea operators; not a major call for global deep-sea container lines
Brussels functions mainly as an inland port, supporting regional logistics and multimodal connections rather than large-scale international container shipping.
