Imagine a bustling hub of activity. That’s the Port of Brussels. It is not just any port. It’s Belgium’s second-largest inland port. It stands only a five-hour sail from the Port of Antwerp.
The Port of Brussels stretches 8.67 km. Its quays run along the waterway. This crosses the Brussels region from north to south. It’s a vital part of Brussels’ infrastructure.
Founded in 1993, the Port of Brussels emerged from the split of N.V. Zeekanaal. This division created separate Flemish and Brussels entities. It happened five years after port authority shifted to regional control in Belgium. This autonomy sparked growth. Port traffic increased by 60% since 1993.
The Port of Brussels plays a key role in Brussels’ economy. It supplies the city with building materials, energy products, and consumer goods. It’s also a hub for the circular economy. Waste from the city is collected and recycled here.
More than 24 million tonnes of goods pass through the port yearly. Most move via railway and road. Over 6.6 million tonnes travel via waterway transit. This was the number recorded in 2016.
The Brussels-Capital Region holds 56% of the shares. The City of Brussels owns 35%. The investment company Brinfin owns 3.9%. Other municipalities hold the remaining 5.1%.
The Port of Brussels aims to boost water transport. This is the most environmentally friendly transport mode. It also wants to create jobs. It aims to combat global warming. It seeks to improve urban distribution.
The port boasts an impressive reach. It covers 107 hectares. That’s more than 150 football fields. It is accessible 24/7. Its location is a stone’s throw from the city center.
The Port of Brussels operates as a “landlord port”. It owns the land within its estate. It rents this land to companies for their economic activities. Concessionaires along the waterway must use it for their business. They receive tariff benefits for doing so.
The Port of Brussels also manages the canal. This public service includes managing mobile bridges and locks. It also maintains quays and banks. It dredges the waterway to keep it navigable.
The port acts as a logistics expert. It helps shift road transport to eco-friendly modes. These include waterways and rail.
The Port of Brussels is an essential engine. It drives economic, industrial, and logistical development for Brussels. It provides nearly €1 billion of added value to the city. This represents about 2% of the region’s wealth.
The port is well-connected. It links to a dense rail network. It’s close to the Brucargo air terminal. It has access to a major motorway junction.
The Port of Brussels plays a key role in the trans-European transport network. It develops combined transport solutions. It promotes interoperability between networks.
The Port of Brussels is modernizing. It expands its domain. It builds new warehouses. It creates urban distribution centers.
The Port of Brussels offers trimodal solutions. These benefit port companies. The port plays a vital role in supplying Brussels.
The Port of Brussels saves 96000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. It reduces the number of lorries on the road by some 2000 each day.
Remember the bollards. They are silent heroes. They secure barges day and night. They also help the police.
Consider the turning basins. These let ships safely turn. Two basins exist on the Brussels canal.
Think about how the Port of Brussels regulates water levels. It prevents flooding. It manages drought.
The Port of Brussels is not just a port. It’s a vital organ in the heart of Brussels. It is an essential part of Europe’s transport network. It strives to create a sustainable and thriving city.