Oostende Port

AG Port Oostende

Slijkensesteenweg 2
8400 Oostende
Belgium

The Port of Oostende is situated in Europe's busiest maritime area, in West Flanders in Belgium. Founded in 1584, it was a factor for transformation of the town from a sleepy village into a home for Dutch, and later Belgian, international trade. Oostende has been mostly known as a ferry port with two companies providing connections to the UK.

The kinds of cargo handled at the harbour include: roro, containers as well as dry bulk and breakbulk with the focus put on industrial equipment such as wind turbines. The town is also a stop for many cruise vessels berthing at passenger terminal and cruise quay. The port offers 16 departures per day to the UK's Ramsgate, Thames area, Ipswich and Killingholme. The proximity of rail and the E40 motorway enables easy access to other Belgian cities as well as France and Spain. Additionally, Oostende is connected to the European inland waterways, via the canal Oostende-Bruges-Ghent.