Port of Antwerp-Bruges strengthens relations with India

The port authority is joined by seven companies from the port community of Antwerp and Bruges, underscoring the significant interest the Indian market holds.Port of Antwerp-Bruges, with a delegation led by Vice President Luc Arnouts, is organizing a high impact roadshow to India in collaboration with Flanders Investment & Trade. Scheduled stops include three major cities: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, each representing unique economic hubs within India. This initiative will provide opportunities for engaging with key industry leaders, site visits to major Indian conglomerates, and thought-provoking panel discussions and roundtables. Tailored B2B meetings and networking events, coordinated with local chambers of commerce, aim to foster meaningful connections and explore avenues for collaboration in sectors essential to both regions.

As one of the largest ports in Europe, Port of Antwerp-Bruges believes India will continue to grow as the “factory of the world”. This makes it a pivotal trading partner for the port. That is supported by the numbers, as India’s volumes through Port of Antwerp-Bruges increased by over 10% this year alone.

Diversifying suppliers is a strategic imperative for Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This need was underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. As global businesses seek alternatives to traditional manufacturing hubs such as China, India presents a promising, stable option. India’s ambitious focus on renewable energy and green molecules aligns with Port of Antwerp Bruges’ goal to make the energy transition. The roadshow itinerary includes meetings with Indian energy giants. The aim is to strengthen these relationships and become a critical gateway for India’s green energy exports to Europe. Port of Antwerp-Bruges has been actively engaged in India since establishing a representation office in Mumbai in 2006. This longstanding relationship has enabled the port to build strong networks and establish a training center at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPT) in Mumbai.

In this JNPT-Antwerp Port Training and Consultancy Foundation, Port of Antwerp-Bruges provides specialized port training through its affiliate, APEC (Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center). The center offers courses in port management, logistics, and strategy.

In addition, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, another affiliate, actively collaborates with Indian organizations. It has facilitated collaborations with the Indian Institute of Technologies Madras (ITTM), Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata and Haldia dock Complex. Together with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International currently explores how the port can support major ports to reach their targets, set in the Maritime Indian Vision 2030-2047. .

The participating companies—Boeckmans Belgium, Blackstone Shipping Belgium, Euroports, Katoen Natie Terminals, PSA Breakbulk, Steelduxx, and C. Steinweg—offer a wide range of services and insights that cater to multiple sectors, from heavy industry to specialized cargo solutions and beyond. This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to deepening economic ties between Belgium and India, showcasing the strength of Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a hub for global trade and innovation.