COVID-19: Port of Antwerp Taskforce update

Photo: Port of Antwerp

Members of the taskforce confirmed that keeping the port operational is a shared priority, and expressed their full commitment to the task at hand. A port monitor has been set up in order to survey the daily operation of the port and identify additional safety measures if necessary.

The taskforce is multidisciplinary and cross-border. Members include Port of Antwerp, Alfaport-Voka, ASV, Cepa, ESPO, Essenscia, Antwerp Fire Department, Antwerp Shipping Police, the agency for Maritime Services & Coast (MDK), Vlaamse Waterweg (waterway operator), Customs & Excise, the cabinet of Flemish minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, as well as the Dutch Common Nautical Management, due to its control of access via the Scheldt.

For now, the port platform remains operational. Handling on the terminals is going ahead normally, there is sufficient manpower available to deal with cargo, and drivers are arriving and departing without too much delay.

That said, the taskforce identified two areas in need of attention. First, due the varying safety regulations implemented by Belgium and the Netherlands, and the Port of Antwerp being served by both Flemish and Dutch pilots, the MDK is working on an approach in consultation with the Netherlands in which the undertaken measures are not contradictory.

Second, manpower needs to be closely monitored, as the availability and allocation of employees is essential for correct functioning of all port services. Fall-back scenarios are being drawn up to assure continuity thereof.

At the moment the Port of Antwerp has not seen any decline in the freight volume. However, it is expected that fewer ships will call at the port in the coming days and weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak. 15 fewer large container carriers from Asia will call, corresponding to 115k TEU less freight being carried from and to China.

Peaks in market demand are being dealt with, e.g. there have been a rise in demand for foodstuffs and healthy foods such as bananas. Therefore, according to the port’s press release, it is essential to keep Europe's borders open for all forms of freight transport.