North Sea port continues to grow despite US tariffs

Despite the trade war with the United States, the North Sea Port continues to grow. Trade with the country increased by more than 10 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, according to the port's latest results.

Despite tensions between Europe and the United States, trade with the US appears to be unaffected for now, the latest results from the North Sea Port show. The port recorded an increase of almost 12 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, partly due to a slight increase in exports.

Trade with the United Kingdom is also growing strongly in the Dutch-Flemish fusion port, up almost 10 per cent compared to the same period last year. The UK has been the North Sea Port's main trading partner since 2024 and is further consolidating this position this year.

In contrast, trade with Russia has fallen sharply, down 32 per cent on the previous quarter. Due to the tightening of European sanctions, transhipments with Russia only reached 500,000 tonnes in the first three months of 2025, continuing last year's downward trend.

North Sea Port appoints Dutchman Cas König as new CEO

North Sea Port has appointed Dutchman Cas König as its new CEO, the company announced on Tuesday. König will take over in June from Daan Schalck...

belganewsagency.eu

Cargo shift

In terms of content, there was a clear shift in the nature of cargo flows. Liquid bulk increased by almost 8 per cent to 3.9 million tonnes, mainly due to an increase in propane and naphtha. Container transhipments also rose sharply by 33 per cent to 45,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) or 500,000 tonnes.

At the same time, other segments showed a decline. Dry bulk - including sand, gravel and raw minerals - fell by almost 2 per cent to 8.7 million tonnes. Ores and agricultural products did continue to grow. Break bulk handling fell by 1.5 per cent to 2.5 million tonnes.

Inland waterways also transported fewer goods. Total inland waterways transport amounted to 15.3 million tonnes, almost 4 per cent less than in the first quarter of 2024. In particular, the transport of dry bulk goods by inland waterways decreased, while the transport of liquid bulk goods increased.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}

Related news

North Sea Port inaugurates sustainable jetty with shore power

North Sea Port has inaugurated a new shore power jetty at the head of the Grootdok in Ghent on Thursday. River cruises calling at the city will...

belganewsagency.eu