By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : March 24, 2025 9:55 am
India's import volumes through Port of Antwerp-Bruges increased by more than 22%
Port of Antwerp-Bruges joined the Belgian Economic Mission to India during March 3-7, 2025 with an important delegation, underscoring the importance India holds as a trading partner for the port. The objective was to strengthen partnerships for a sustainable future with a vital trading partner and the world’s fastest-growing economy.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges delegation comprised of Jacques Vandermeiren (CEO), Luc Arnouts (VP International Networks), Dirk De fauw (Mayor of the city of Bruges and Vice President of Port of Antwerp-Bruges), Kristof Waterschoot (Managing Director Port of Antwerp-Bruges International) and Achille Sobry (Associate Manager Port of Antwerp-Bruges International).
During the Mission, the delegation actively participated in a number of events, organized by Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) such as Flanders India Hydrogen and Ports Round Table, site visit to Larsen and Toubro, India-Belgium Industrial decarbonization and global hydrogen supply chains panel discussion and other activities.
With India emerging as a thriving market,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. As trade with India grew by 10% last year, India's import volumes through Port of Antwerp-Bruges increased by more than 22%.
Also, as one of the largest automotive industries, India will find a strategic partner in Bruges, the largest automotive port in the world. The chemical hub in Antwerp aligns with India’s world-leading pharmaceutical production. Finally, India's ambition to lead in renewable energy fits well with Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ focus on energy transition.
Moreover, India’s ambitious focus on renewable energy and green molecules aligns with Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ goal to facilitate the energy transition. That is why the port maintains excellent contacts with several companies that are at the forefront of India’s green energy initiatives.
In its capacity as chair of the Belgian Hydrogen Council, Port of Antwerp-Bruges has teamed up with FIT to organize an MOU with Green H2 India. The three signing parties have agreed to actively engage in pursuit of the acceleration of the energy transition. Therefore, the representatives of the Belgian and Indian H2 ecosystems together with FIT, will jointly support the dialogue on the industry needs and standards. Furthermore, they will explore the technical impact of new technologies and share expertise and views on policy development in pursuit of the mutual goals of the parties.
Since 1977, Port of Antwerp-Bruges has provided specialized port training through its affiliate, Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center (APEC). The center offers courses in port management, logistics, and strategy. APEC has also set up a training center at JNPA, the 'JNPA-Antwerp Port Training and Consultancy Foundation’.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges International is another affiliate that actively collaborates with Indian organizations. They work closely together with the training institute, private players and other authorities in India. Some examples include 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.