Port of Antwerp-Bruges has sky-high ambitions. This is fine, says Tom Hautekiet, CCO of the port. 'We are one of the largest, if not the largest, player in all the major segments in Europe. Containers, roll-on/roll-off, liquid bulk – 15 percent of liquid gas entering Europe passes through us. In addition, we can boast a direct location by the sea and the largest chemical cluster in Europe.'
‘Think global, act local’
International network of Port of Antwerp-Bruges puts Belgium on the map.
‘Think global, act local’ as a recipe for success
This creates international opportunities for the port. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is working with foreign representatives on branding, and on attracting investors and cargo flows. Subsidiary Port of Antwerp-Bruges International offers consultancy at foreign ports and provides management services, while APEC offers training for an international audience. There are also the strong ties to organisations such as the World Economic Forum and the International Association of Ports and Harbors.
Local points of contact are crucial to maintaining close ties with those markets. The representatives are our best ambassadors and know the markets inside out.
Luc Arnouts,Director of International Relations & Networks at Port of Antwerp-Bruges
This international focus should help the port establish itself in growing markets very early on. Furthermore, this strong international positioning and anchoring is an absolute asset in the ambition of Port of Antwerp-Bruges to grow into Europe's green energy hub,' says Luc Arnouts, Director of International Relations & Networks.
A strong brand and product like Port of Antwerp-Bruges will open doors worldwide for our customers and partners
Tom Hautekiet,Chief Commercial Officer at Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Local economy to benefit too
The expansion of Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a hub for green energy will require substantial investments. And this is good news for the local economy. 'Colruyt Group, for example, will be involved in the local production of green hydrogen,' says Tom Hautekiet. In addition, of course, dredging and construction must take place.
'Contractors will have their hands full,' says Luc Arnouts. 'And then there's the transport of hydrogen, for example; for that, we have Fluxys and Pipelink with the necessary expertise in pipelines.' 'We have strong companies in Belgium. Together, we have a very strong offering and, with that knowledge and expertise, we're putting our country on the map.'
