The world’s leading breakbulk players met in Antwerp Expo from 12th to 14th of May, with the main sponsor being the Port of Antwerp.
The exhibition gives both global and local breakbulk operators the opportunity to network and catch up with current trends, while also providing a platform to meet the needs of logistics professionals in traditional breakbulk and project cargo.
Antwerp for its part is the largest breakbulk port in Europe, handling project cargo, steel and fruit, along with storing coffee. The port handles more than 15 million tonnes of breakbulk cargo per year, while continuing to invest and create additional capacity.
For example, Zuidnatie purchased two new mobile cranes each with a lifting capacity of 200 tonnes, Antwerp Steinweg Terminal is investing 4.5 million euros to upgrade its terminal in the Albert dock, and NHS is opening a new terminal in the Churchill dock costing 9 million euros.
At the exhibition the Port of Antwerp gave the Canadian shipping company Fednav the opportunity to celebrate its 70th anniversary and 50 years of presence in Antwerp.
“Customers continue to trust their cargo to the Port of Antwerp because of our customer-oriented, ’get things done’ mentality, our flexibility and our expertise, ” saied Port Authority CEO Eddy Bruyninckx .
“This customer-oriented attitude also forms the basis of our international branding campaign: ‘Everything is possible at the port of Antwerp.’ The can-do mentality of our port is our greatest strength, as shown in the campaign by the many testimonials from customers. This is the best proof that the port of Antwerp is an essential link in the international supply chains, with the breakbulk segment playing a strategic role. New, innovative technologies, ongoing investment in infrastructure and superstructure, and expansion of our services will help to ensure that Antwerp remains the leading breakbulk port in Europe for many years to come.”
With over 5000 participants and more than 250 stands Breakbulk Europe 2014 has developed into one of the most important networking events in the sector.
In addition to the busy exhibition programme there was also a “fun area” at the Port of Antwerp booth (402/H1), dedicated to the football World Cup in Brazil. The Breakbulk Antwerp Cup – a table football mini world cup for port professionals – was held on the Port of Antwerp stand.
[mappress] Port of Antwerp, May 15, 2014