Port of Antwerp to raise its port dues by 2% in 2012 to keep pace with inflation, port officials say; port to continue discount of 10% to ships with Environmental Ship Index of 31 points or more

Alison Gallant

ANTWERP, Belgium , December 21, 2011 (press release) – The port of Antwerp is to raise its port dues by 2% in 2012. This is the first time in three years that the port has adjusted its dues to keep pace with inflation, and then only to a modest degree. The decision was made by the Port Authority’s board of directors on Tuesday evening.

The dues were not raised in 2010 and 2011; on the contrary, they were selectively lowered in response to the sharp drop in the freight volume. Now a moderate dues policy will enable the
Port Authority to invest further in among other things efficient, sustainable development of port infrastructure. In this regard the Port Authority aims to continue supporting positive developments in the port, both on the landward side by encouraging improvements to the quality of terminal facilities and on the seaward side by promoting growth in trade by selectively approaching customers.

“When it comes to setting the level of dues, the Port Authority remains a very stable partner for port users,” said CEO Eddy Bruyninckx. “Offering attractive yet realistic port dues remains
the basis of our policy. The rates policy for the port is characterised by continuity, not by day- to-day considerations with sudden increases or decreases.”

In 2012 the port will continue to offer a discount of 10% to ships with an Environmental Ship Index (ESI) of 31 points or more. Further, the ESI will be extended next year to barges:
vessels equipped with CCR III or CCR III-certified engines will be offered a reduction of 7% on port dues for calls in 2012. Finally, the reduced rates introduced in 2010 for breakbulk
carriers loading or unloading in the port will still apply in 2012.

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