The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Bulk peaks in Antwerp’s best quarter

(Posted on 21/07/19)

The total freight volume handled by Port of Antwerp was up 0.7% during the first six months compared with the same period last year, itself already a record half.

The dry bulk volume managed to reverse a drop of 8.8% at the end of the first quarter, turning it into a rise of 8.7%. This was despite 8% less fertiliser, 25.7% less ore and 6.5% less sand and gravel being handled. The figures for coal by contrast were four times higher than in the same period last year, while the volume of scrap rose by nearly 10%. Dry bulk is traditionally characterised by high volatility, with a wide range of goods that vary greatly in character.

Better months in May and June were good news for breakbulk handling. After six months the volume stabilised with at a level 1.7% down compared with the end of the first quarter. The conventional breakbulk volume also recovered slightly, with only 3.2% less compared with the first six months of 2018 thanks to slightly better performances in iron and steel exports.

Despite some relatively strong months in May and June, liquid bulk experienced a drop of 6.4%, following a drop of 8.2% at the end of the first quarter. The volume of crude oil expanded by 3.2%, while there was a similar expansion of 5.4% in the volume of chemical products. On the other hand the volume of oil derivatives did not recover substantially during the second quarter. After three months the figure was 11.9% below the level of the previous year, and after six months it was still 10.9% below. The slowdown in economic growth and large fluctuations in oil prices caused uncertainty among traders.

After two absolute record months, April and May, with more than 1 million TEU, Port of Antwerp closed the second quarter with a strong month in June. Result: a record volume on a quarterly basis. The continued growth in the number of containers and the volume of dry bulk in particular compensated for the decline in other, more market-sensitive sectors such as liquid bulk and breakbulk. This was achieved despite the slow-down in European growth and uncertainty in the market. Greater transhipment continues to drive the Antwerp container business upwards.

Container freight performed strongly in the second quarter with a new record volume which was immediately topped in May. Container peaks in April and May brought the growth rate to +4,9%, thanks mainly to more transhipment to and from all trading regions with the exception of South America. Transhipment trade with the Far East even scored double digit growth of 11.7%.

The ro/ro volume for its part expanded by 3.2% in the first quarter and then flattened out with growth of just 0,9%. Meanwhile the volume of new rolling stock was down by 7.9% in the second quarter and 6.3% in the first six months. This evolution is in line with the global trend towards lower vehicle production. On the other hand the volume of second-hand cars rose by 15.5% in the second quarter and 10.1% in the first half year.

The number of seagoing ships calling at Antwerp in the past six months was 7,200, down just 0.1% on the same period last year. The gross tonnage of ships anchoring in the port was up by 0.6%, to 209,283,498 GT.