Antwerp reduces dues

Furthermore, the port is to drop its dues by 10% for transhipment of conventional and breakbulk cargo such as steel, fruit, paper and wood.

However, there are conditions. The port explains that since these types of freight are faced with a number of structural problems, it is linking the reduction in rates to the condition that the labour unions and employers “make a serious contribution towards greater efficiency”.

The port does not reckon on any further linear discounts, but says it is “open to bilateral talks” with shipping companies. In the meantime, the fees charged to concession holders have also been frozen.