Port of Antwerp tightens regulations regarding byloads inside second-hand vehicles

For many decades now, the port of Antwerp has been a leader in the shipment of second-hand vehicles. In order to ensure that this takes place as sustainable and safe as possible, more stringent rules governing byloads inside second-hand vehicles will be introduced as of 2021.

Around 300,000 second-hand vehicles are shipped via the Port of Antwerp each year and around 80% of those vehicles are carrying byloads on board. From sector consultations last year, the existing regulations and checks carried out on these byloads were found to be no longer sufficient as a means of limiting the potential risks and of guaranteeing safety at the terminals and on board vessels. Therefore, the regulations for the shipment of byloads inside second-hand vehicles have already been amended in September 2019.

Those amended rules certainly brought about an improvement, but various measurements have shown that additional steps will be needed in order to achieve a sustainable, safe and secure method for the processing and transportation of second-hand vehicles. For that reason, it was decided that from 1 January 2021 onwards, the regulations would become even stricter than before. From that date onwards, second-hand cars and small vans will no longer be permitted to have any byloads on board. Byloads will be permitted in the case of larger vans, trucks and trailers, but the maximum permitted weight of the vehicle must not be exceeded and in compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations.

Two major players handling and loading second-hand vehicles have taken the initiative to proactively adapt their policies. With immediate effect, Sallaum Lines will no longer accept byloads into second-hand vehicles, with the exception of trucks. Grimaldi Lines will not accept cars, small and large vans with byloads at Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) as of 8 December 2020 and this will be extended to their European network.

Luc Arnouts, Director International Relations & Networks: “Sustainability and safety are our priority and it is in order to guarantee both sustainability and security that we found it necessary to introduce these more stringent rules. They will enable the checks carried out by the competent authorities to ensure compliance with the regulations governing the transportation of byloadsin second-hand vehicles to be conducted in a more targeted and efficient way."
Annick De Ridder, Port Alderman: “The second-hand vehicles market segment is very close to our hearts in Antwerp and as a port, we have been leaders in that sector for decades. It is important that regulation is dealt with internationally. Antwerp sets the tone, but we would like to emphasise that the level playing field must be maintained and that consultation with other European ports is therefore also taking place."
David Van Ballaert, Managing Director at Sallaum Lines Belgium: “In order to ensure that the flow of this type of goods in Africa doesn't come to a standstill, we are happy to contribute towards making exports of this type of goods more sustainable in terms of security and verifiability.”

 

 

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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. Vice-Mayor of Antwerp Annick De Ridder is President of the Board of Directors, the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President. 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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