READY FOR A NEW ERA

In 2021 the volumes of trade passing between mainland Europe and the UK and Ireland via Belgium reached an all-time high. The Flemish ports prove to be resilient logistic hubs. Through development of warehousing, focus on green energy distribution and integration of port authorities, they expand the role of ports as key economic infrastructure. ‘Trade with the UK continues to flow,’ says Tom Hautekiet, chief commercial officer at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. ‘The Republic of Ireland has seen an increase in traffic of 25.3% (2021 vs 2020). UK trade is up by 1.2% (2021 vs 2020).’   THE END OF THE OLD WORLD ‘For the first three months of the year there’s been a growth of 6% in imports from the UK through North Sea Port alone. Overall, we’re going back to normal although there are still problems for small companies. For them things have become more difficult. But the fear for Brexit, from a logistical point of view, has passed,’ according to Daan Schalck, CEO, North Sea Port. Some types of trade have witnessed a decline due to economic conditions, not logistics issues. ‘People in the UK are uncertain about buying a new car, for instance, which is supressing...