In a resounding testament to the resilience of European automotive logistics, the combined ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge have reported a remarkable 9% increase in the handling of finished vehicles throughout the calendar year of 2023.
This surge, bringing the total to 3.56 million units, marks a significant milestone for the ports, showcasing their pivotal role in facilitating the movement of vehicles across the continent.
The merger of the Belgian ports under a unified operating authority in April 2022 has undoubtedly contributed to the streamlined efficiency witnessed in recent statistics.
Since the amalgamation, the ports have provided consolidated figures, offering a comprehensive overview of their collective performance.
Attributing the surge in vehicle volumes to a multitude of factors, the port authority highlighted the influx of new Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seeking to establish a foothold in the lucrative European market.
Additionally, the transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) and the concerted efforts to address backlogs stemming from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the semiconductor crisis, have played pivotal roles in driving up demand.
Despite the buoyant figures, the port authority acknowledged a noteworthy trend concerning Chinese-made vehicles. Contrary to expectations, the volume of these vehicles transported via roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels remained stagnant in 2023.
Instead, a significant portion has been routed through containerized shipping due to constraints in ro-ro tonnage availability.
Highlighting the Far East as a critical region for car imports, the spokesperson emphasized the consistent growth in total car imports from China, encompassing both containerized and ro-ro shipments.
Japan retains its status as the primary origin country, with China closely trailing behind. However, alongside the surge in volumes, the ports grappled with capacity challenges throughout the year.
Terminal congestion, exacerbated by a confluence of factors including increased incoming volumes, reduced stock rotation due to slowed sales, and strategic decisions by OEMs to maintain more extensive stocks at port facilities for expedited customer delivery, posed significant hurdles.
Furthermore, the shift towards online sales channels and European automakers’ evolving distribution networks have added complexity to the logistical landscape.
Direct sales through online platforms, complementing traditional dealer networks, have become increasingly prevalent, necessitating adjustments in port operations to accommodate evolving industry dynamics.
In response to these challenges, the port authority has been proactive in collaborating with terminal operators to devise innovative solutions.
Initiatives such as the construction of multilevel car decks and the provision of additional land for temporary car handling have been instrumental in mitigating congestion and optimizing capacity utilization.
“We are pleased that multiple terminal operators have embraced innovative measures to maximize land utilization within our port,” remarked a spokesperson for the Antwerp-Bruges port authority.
“In addition to facilitating the construction of multilevel car decks, we have made additional land and quay wall capacity available to address the evolving needs of the automotive sector.”
As the automotive industry continues to navigate unprecedented challenges, the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge stand as beacons of resilience, driving efficiency and innovation to ensure the seamless flow of vehicles across borders.
With collaborative efforts and strategic investments, these ports are poised to remain indispensable pillars of Europe’s automotive supply chain for years to come.
