Steel Drives 2011 Breakbulk Increase at Antwerp

The Port of Antwerp handled 187.15 million tonnes of freight last year, a 5 percent increase compared with 2010, when the volume was 178.2 million tonnes. These final figures exceed provisional estimates made at the end of December, according to a port statement.

Breakbulk volume rose 14.1 percent to reach 12.70 million tonnes. Steel products accounted for most of the increase, rising 28.8 percent. Fruit tonnage rose a modest 2.9 percent, while paper and cellulose volumes decreased 24.5 percent.

Roll-on/roll-off freight rose 14 percent to 4.24 million tonnes.

Vessel calls also increased in 2011, 3.1 percent, with 15,240 seagoing ships calling Antwerp. Barge calls finished the year at 59,428, a 4 increase percent compared with 2010. Barge freight handled in 2011 was 87.13 million tonnes.

Photo shows steel being handled at Wijngaard Natie, near Amerika Dock. Courtesy of the Port of Antwerp.