Port of Antwerp-Bruges Reports Weak Start to the Year

In the first quarter of 2026, Port of Antwerp‑Bruges handled 65.5 million tons of maritime cargo, a decrease of 3.2% compared to the same period last year.

After a weak start in January and February, throughput recovered in March. General cargo (-4.4%) – in particular containers and conventional general cargo – was under pressure, while bulk cargo remained stable (-0.6%) and RoRo traffic increased.

The port says the results reflect a complex combination of factors, including adverse weather conditions, social actions, geopolitical tensions and a weakened European industrial base.

Total cargo throughput was down 2% in Q1 2026, as container traffic impacted by weather disruptions, strike action and weak export performance.

The first effects of the Middle East conflict also became visible.

Weaker start for container traffic

In the first quarter of 2026, container throughput decreased by 5.5% in tons and 2.6% in TEU compared to the same period last year. The port says this should be seen against the backdrop of a relatively strong start to 2025, when the restructuring of container alliances generated high inbound volumes, as well as the weakened export position of Western Europe.

In addition, the start of the year was marked by extreme