In what ways are the ports complementary and can be each other's backup (in the event of incidents, bad weather etc.)?

Zeebrugge focuses on shortsea (ferry) and gas. Antwerp focuses on breakbulk, dry bulk and liquid bulk. Containers are handled on both platforms, with a centre of gravity at Antwerp. Zeebrugge is strong in RoRo. This makes both platforms highly complementary.

 

This focus on specific flows does not take away from the fact that a lot of goods flows are handled on both platforms. As a result, there is a certain interchangeability. Interconnectivity plays an important role in achieving this interchangeability.

 

As a Port Authority, we can only encourage private companies to make agreements on both platforms so that 'deviations' are possible at all times and that there is flexibility. However, as a Port Authority, we will not be steering towards this. It is not our role to impose a specific platform or terminal.

 

From a safety and incident perspective, we will take the necessary measures at all times to ensure safety on both platforms.