The
competitive position of ports in Central Europe is coming under further pressure
by Chinese investment in ports in Southern Europe. Eddy Bruyninckx, CEO of
the Port of Antwerp is therefore calling for closer cooperation between Antwerp and
Rotterdam to better face the competition, the CEO told
the Financiële Dagblad.
According to Bruyninckx, a joint initiative by the two largest ports
be essential. For instance, joint transhipment points should be established for the
transporting goods to Central and Eastern Europe. Countries such as Poland,
the Czech Republic and Hungary represent the future, according to the CEO, and a major
advantage can be gained if transport to these countries is better organised.
key to this is achieving economies of scale. By transporting goods more efficiently, larger
cargo transported and costs can be saved.
subsidy
is counterproductive
Ports in southern Europe are currently still receiving substantial
subsidies to boost logistics. According to the CEO, the ports must
make it clear to Brussels that the subsidies received by the southern European ports
receive is not always beneficial for competition within Europe. It would be counterproductive for ports in Central Europe.
hub
Duisburg
A partnership between the two ports could take shape in
a joint hub in Duisburg. A few years ago, an earlier
attempt to create a joint hub because Germany was reluctant. Nevertheless,
Bruyninckx still sees the benefits of a joint hub in Duisburg. He told
he told the FD: “If the opportunity arises again, we must
seize it once more.”
Rotterdam
interested
According to Sjaak Poppe, spokesperson for the Rotterdam
Port Authority, a partnership with the Belgians is a smart move. The spokesperson
does point out, however, that there are currently no specific projects underway and Bruyninckx,
apart from his interview with FD and joint lobbying efforts in Brussels, has not yet
put forward any concrete plans.
Recently, Rotterdam and Amsterdam already announced their intention to cooperate more.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
