The last years have been characterized by a recovery from the worst crisis the industry has ever witnessed. 2015 will still hold many challenges for the shipping industry and the port sector at large.
Following the economic crisis, different shipping companies opted for an increase in vessel size. Basically, these players are aiming for a substantial cost reduction. However, the possibilities of these reductions are influenced by the annual growth of volumes. Growth rates of 3 to 6 percent worldwide are expected, but are not uniform across all regions. The most important reaction of the shipping companies to further diminish cost was to set up global alliances. These alliances aim to balance supply and demand in the market and can be positive for the shipping industry.
This trend has also impacted the port authorities. To realize its main objective, i.e. to defend the general interest of the community and to strengthen the competitive position of the port, modern port authorities need to provide excellent working conditions for the different companies active in the port area. This implies that current and future types of vessels need to be able to enter the port without major problems. Therefore, substantial investment programs in infrastructural facilities and improved accessibility both on the maritime as the landside are carried out to comply to all sector demands.
The trends in the shipping industry therefore do not only require efforts for the industry itself; they also set a challenge for the port community. The port of Antwerp accepts this challenge to remain a major gateway and multifunctional port in northwestern Europe. By means of increased investments and creative measures, the port of Antwerp will be able to answer all demands of shipping companies and port operators today as well as in the future.
Eddy Bruynincyx, CEO, Port of Antwerp