Storage of ammonium nitrate under very strict safety conditions in Port of Antwerp

Storage of ammonium nitrate under very strict safety conditions in Port of Antwerp

Yesterday, Lebanon was hit by a major explosion in the port of Beirut. Port of Antwerp has been particularly touched by this tragedy and empathizes with everyone affected by it.

The product that would have caused this explosion is, according to the information now available, ammonium nitrate. This is widely used all over the world as fertilizer and is also frequently treated in the Port of Antwerp. Its production, handling and storage are strictly regulated in Belgium and take place in our port under very strict safety conditions.

Port Alderman Annick De Ridder: “My sincere condolences to the families and friends of the many victims who have been affected by this terrible explosion. Our thoughts go out to them. The situation in Beirut is by no means comparable to the port of Antwerp. First of all, there are strict safety standards and it is unthinkable that such a product would be stored for years in an amount that corresponds to the transshipment volumes in Flanders over a whole year."

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.

www.portofantwerpbruges.com

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Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Havenhuis
Zaha Hadidplein 1
2030 Antwerp
Belgium