The port of Antwerp has reported a slight drop in freight volume, according to preliminary year-end figures released this week. The full report is expected in mid-January 2013.
In 2012, the port handled 183.8 million metric tons (MT) this year, representing a drop of 1.8 percent compared to 2011, when the port had a volume of 187.2 million MT. A release from the port blamed the dip on the temporary shutdown of Belgian Refining Corporation during the year, which cut into the growth figures for liquid bulk. Officials at the port estimated a possible record increase had that shutdown not happened.
“All things considered, these figures are a mild reflection of the state of the economy and of the shipping industry,” the release read.
