Waasland Port sees first employment decline since 2008
Employment in the Waasland Port has fallen for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis. Figures released on Thursday show that almost 1,500 fewer people were working in the port area in 2024 compared to the previous year, a drop of 6.4 per cent.
"The main causes are a dip in the economic cycle and the extensive automation of industry," said Peter Van de Putte, director of the Scheldt Left Bank Corporation (‘Maatschappij Linkerscheldeoever’ or MLSO). "High energy prices are creating a competitiveness problem, especially in the chemical sector, compounded by the war in Ukraine."
With 160 companies, the Waasland Port forms an important part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. It currently provides direct employment for just over 21,000 people and around 50,000 when indirect jobs are included.
While in 2023 the drop was limited to temporary workers, all employment categories recorded losses in 2024. The number of blue- and white-collar workers fell by a combined 786 full-time equivalents (FTEs). Temporary employment declined by 352 FTEs, and dock work by 298 FTEs.
Optimism about 2025
“Although maritime traffic still experienced spectacular growth in 2024, the chemical sector came under severe pressure, and several companies announced restructurings,” said MLSO president Boudewijn Vlegels.
“For the first time in many years, this has translated into an overall decline in employment in the Waasland port. Hopefully this decline is only temporary and not the start of a structural trend.”
Despite the downturn, MLSO remains cautiously optimistic. The port still has many open vacancies, and a wave of retirements is expected in the coming years. Van de Putte therefore expects employment numbers to stabilise this year.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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