Port of Antwerp expresses its support and empathy for all the human suffering caused by the conflict in Ukraine. As a world port, the port of Antwerp is regularly confronted with the consequences of geopolitical movements. This conflict has led to a number of European Union sanctions against Russia. In order to monitor the impact of the crisis in the port and beyond, Port of Antwerp maintains close contact with customers and competent authorities.
Monitoring
There is permanent monitoring of the situation by Port of Antwerp, which is in close contact with customers and other stakeholders of the port community. The good cooperation between the competent authorities, Customs and the various terminals involved is emphasized in this regard.
European measures
Antwerp Port Authority does not have the authority to conduct an independent policy in response to the conflict. For example, the Port Authority cannot impose restrictions on companies or ships. The Port Authority implements the policy of the Belgian and European authorities.
For example, the export of a large number of goods is prohibited, including those that can be used for both civilian and military purposes (‘dual use’). Container cargo destined for Russia is subject to additional controls by Customs. More information can be found here . Furthermore, there is currently no ban on ships under the Russian flag or in Russian possession.
Facts & figures
Our port does not have large maritime freight flows with Ukraine. Russia, on the other hand, was the fifth most important trading partner in 2021 with a throughput of 11.6 million tons (3.16 m tons of exports and 8.5 million tons of landings). This concerned the following categories:
- Containers – 5.3 million tons (mainly plastics, wood, chemicals, auto parts and paper)
- Liquid bulk – 4.8 million tons (mainly naphtha, diesel and fuel oil)
- Dry bulk – 700,000 tons (mainly fertilizers and coal)
- Conventional general cargo – 650,000 tons (mainly steel imports)
In 2021, 51 Russian ships came to the port of Antwerp, out of a total of 14,181.