Ports and terminals
Auto traffic through Antwerp Bruges levels out in 2025
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges moved a total of 3.18 million new cars in CY 2025 despite the impact of US tariffs on vehicle imports, which hit international routes from April last year.
US tariffs disrupted vehicle shipments and caused congestion at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ vehicle terminals, leading to an almost 16% drop in volume throughput in the first six months of the 2025.
The port said that congestion was “driven by a mix of logistical challenges and market developments” adding that there was “clear decline in vehicle exports” after May, one month after tariffs of up to 27.5% on imports of vehicles to the US came into effect. Ongoing pilot strikes have also affected throughput at Antwerp. However, vehicle exports showed a marginal increase by the end of the year to 1.6 million.
Volumes balanced out thanks in part to more new vehicle exports to South America and Japan, and second-hand exports to Africa. There were also more imports from South Korea. Added to which, Antwerp-Bruges’ ports saw increased vehicle trade with China, with a total of almost 342,000 vehicles imported and more than 4,600 vehicles exported in the other direction.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imports | 1,527,559 (-3.02%) | 1,575,267 (-7.3%) | 1,698,522 (+4.6%) |
| Exports | 1,660,538 (+0.54%) | 1,651,596 (-11.3%) | 1,862,138 (+13.3%) |
| Total | 3,188,097 (-1.20%) | 3,226,863 (-9.4%) | 3,560,660 (+9%) |
Figures supplied by Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Transparency on inbound volumes
Throughput of imports has been improved by the introduction of a digital Inbound Release Platform in April 2025. The IRP facilitates communication between shipping agents, terminal operators, customs agents and logistics service providers by centralising legally required information when bringing goods into the EU.
According to the port authority, the IRP digitalises and makes more transparent the complex declaration and control requirements for goods transported by ro-ro, container, breakbulk, bulk and ferry into a single process. Customs agents and logistics service providers can also obtain a clearer view of the status of their shipments more rapidly using the Import Consignment API.
“IRP facilitates data exchange related to customs status amongst the companies in the port community,” explained a spokesperson for the port. “Data transparency, planning and predictability of shipments improves faster logistics services.”
The port has also introduced a ro-ro and breakbulk sailing list where shipping carriers can display their services on the Port of Antwerp Bruges’ website. It is in the process of integrating its Nxtport digital platform (of which the IRP is an application), as well as the RX Seaport digital platform specific to Zeebrugge.
Building up capacity
New terminal infrastructure investments include a new car deck from Sallaum Lines, which operates a terminal at Antwerp port. The multi-storey car park covers 47,000 sq. m, and adds 15,000 additional vehicle spaces, with 17,000 more planned in phase two of the expansion.
International Car Operators (ICO) is also constructing a 13-storey automated parking deck at Zeebrugge port that will provide space for 10,000 cars, increasing its annual capacity from 2.5 million to 3 million cars.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has also started construction of a new dock at its on Orcelle terminal. By 2027 the facility will add three moorings for ro-ro vessel and space for approximately 8,000 additional vehicles.
Work is also ongoing at Antwerp port to connect the Antwerp Ring Road to the Oosterweel traffic interchange.
Green shipping corridors
In terms of making operations more sustainable, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is supporting cooperation amongst terminal companies and vessel operators to become a multifuel port where alternative fuels can be bunkered in the port and green shipping corridors can further develop. That also includes onshore power supply facilities at the terminals for cold ironing of vessels at berth.
For truck calls onshore, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, Traton Group and Volvo Group, called Milence, has employed its first megawatt charging system (MCS) at the Truck Parking Ketenis hub. Two high-power chargers from energy provider Power Electronics have also been installed to reduce charging times and increase turnaround for long-distance transport. The charging hub now offers 22 charging bays. Milence has committed to building and operating 1,700 high-performance public charging points in Europe by 2027.
