Ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge merge to create Europe’s largest export port

The ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge will now officially operate under one name, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, going forward and has become Europe’s largest export port.

In February 2021, the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges announced the launch for the merger process of their respective ports and the shareholders’ agreement of the unified port company was signed on April 22, 2022.

Annick De Ridder, vice-mayor of the City of Antwerp and president of the board of directors of Port Antwerp-Bruges, said: “The unified port is not only the economic engine of Flanders, but together the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge will also form the largest export port, largest throughput port for vehicles, and leading chemical hub for Europe.