Everything flows from the way we look at ourselves,” said Raj Khalid, India Representative, Port of Antwerp, as he shared the vision of his port – to be a reliable link that is both cost effective and smooth in the shipping chain. The Port of Antwerp has recently taken over the role of an active landlord lord port where cargo handling is done by the private sector, while the port authority manages the infrastructure. The port contributes about 5.6 per cent to the GDP of Belgium while generating employment to about 70,000 people.
The concession policy of the port focuses on the investment being made, employment generated and the impact on cargo while awarding concession to private parties. Antwerp is Europe’s most central seaport. Seagoing vessels can transport goods 80 kilometres inland, into the heart of Europe. This means transport via the Port of Antwerp to European customers and factories is not only quick and cheap, it is also very ecological. It means less road transport, which is an important consideration for many manufacturers. Towards the conclusion Raj highlighted the merits of his port – zero waiting time, zero accidents and zero debt.
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