King Philippe visits Port of Antwerp, 100% operational during corona crisis

His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium paid a visit to Port of Antwerp today, Monday 27 April. The port is classified as "essential national infrastructure" because of its importance in keeping Belgium and indeed a large part of Europe supplied.

Since the coronavirus outbreak the port has remained 100% operational thanks to the efforts and commitment of all employees. The King therefore wanted to see with his own eyes how this is being done in practice, and was keen to show his appreciation for the some 60,000 people who keep the port running day by day. His visit underlines the significance of the port and of the work being done by all those in these exceptional times.

Port remains 100% operational

The King began his visit at the MPET terminal, the largest container facility in Europe. Located in the Deurganck dock it handles some 9 million containers annually. He then went on to the Border Inspection Post on the Left bank where the Customs department and the Federal Agency for Food Chain Safety work closely together at the same location. Since the initial outbreak of the coronavirus all players in the port's nautical and logistical chains have remained 100% operational, based on maintaining a personal distance of 1.5 metres and preventive hygiene measures. The port has been able to keep operating normally thanks to the rapid introduction of such measures and the commitment of everyone involved.

This is crucial because the port is a vital link in the supply chain for the whole of Belgium and indeed a large part of Europe. Essential goods such as foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, fuel and raw materials for other necessary products all transit through the port for further distribution throughout Europe. Port of Antwerp is therefore of vital importance for many regions and sectors of economic activity in Europe, both on the import and on the export side. 

The King was given a briefing on the collaboration between port companies, logistics partners and government authorities in dealing with the corona crisis. He also spoke to a number of dock workers about how they are dealing with the corona measures and the impact on their work.

Innovation in times of crisis

The ability to innovate is a great advantage in times of crisis such as these. Port of Antwerp therefore prioritises innovation, acting as a flywheel for start-ups and Belgian entrepreneurship. One innovation that demonstrates the great flexibility of the port concerns the "smart bracelets" from the technology company Rombit. The King was given explanations about this trial project due to be started shortly by the Port Authority. Initially intended to ensure the safety of nautical employees, use of this technology has been extended in just a few weeks to maintain social distancing and so to prevent corona contamination on the workfloor. Safety is of primordial importance for all employees in the port. This solution – which Antwerp Port Authority is the first to test – has attracted attention from all around the world. As such it is an example of Belgian innovation backed up by the strong brand image of Port of Antwerp.

Port of Antwerp CEO Jacques Vandermeiren declared: "We are particularly honoured by this visit from the King. As a major international port we have a crucial role to play in this unprecedented crisis, as His Majesty has highlighted today. This is welcome encouragement for all those employees who are keeping the port running in these difficult times. It is this spirit of solidarity which makes the port so strong."
Port alderman Annick De Ridder for her part commented: "This visit once again emphasises that the work of the entire port community is of inestimable value. We remain 100% operational thanks among other things to the great flexibility of the port platform, so that supplies to our country and the rest of Europe are not compromised even in these crisis conditions. In this way we are able to give a powerful signal as the engine of the national economy and as a major international port."

 

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About Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk and for the throughput of vehicles. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
 
The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear - to become the world's first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers and other partners, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society. 

The port sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are operated by the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law with the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges as its shareholders. The port employs 1,800 people. Johan Klaps is Vice-Mayor of the City of Antwerp and the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the port’s day-to-day management. 

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The telephone number +32 492 15 41 39 is only for press inquiries. For other questions you can mail to communicatie@portofantwerpbruges.com

Contact

Havenhuis Zaha Hadidplein 1 2030 Antwerp Belgium

+32 492 15 41 39

press@portofantwerpbruges.com

www.portofantwerpbruges.com