The Port of Antwerp-Bruges closed 2025 with a record year in the reefer container segment. The port handled 1,170,394 TEUs of reefer containers, the highest figure ever recorded. This result represents a 0.6% increase compared to 2024, although the growth was unevenly distributed among different port operations.
The increase was mainly driven by growth in import volumes, which rose by 13.5%. Imports constitute the most dynamic segment of reefer traffic, reflecting consistent demand for perishable products in European markets. The export volumes of reefer containers remained relatively stable, with a growth of 0.9%, representing 35% of the total volume handled. Transshipment experienced a slight contraction of 4.4%, a result attributable to changes in shipping schedules implemented by shipping operators.
The total volume of reefer containers reflects the critical importance of the cold chain for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Approximately one in ten containers arriving at the port is a fully operational reefer container, a figure that underscores the centrality of refrigerated logistics in the port's business strategy. This concentration of traffic in a specific segment requires specialized infrastructure and dedicated operational capacity.
Conventional refrigerated transport, distinct from that based on reefer containers, showed solid annual growth of 4.9%. Within this segment, imports recorded a slight decrease of 0.7%, while exports of refrigerated goods exhibited a significant increase of 52.5%. This performance reflects both robust market demand and the existence of a well-developed logistics network for perishable products in European territory.
Imports of reefer products are composed of approximately 90% fresh products, including fruits, vegetables, and meat/fish. Most of these products come from Latin America, a region that solidifies its position as a main source of supply for European markets. Panama recorded extraordinary growth during the year of 122.8%, while imports from South Africa also increased significantly with a rise of 36.2%. These growth figures reflect both changes in supply patterns and improvements in logistical connections.
Regarding exports, the United States remains the most important destination for European refrigerated products. Exports of fruits and vegetables to Egypt grew rapidly, with an increase of 206.7%, highlighting the opening of new markets in North Africa. Morocco shows notable growth both as a country of origin and as a destination, reflecting the development of production and consumption capacities for perishable products in the region.
Ecuador, which has historically been an important origin for products like bananas and tropical fruits, recorded a decline in import volume of 21.8%. Exports to Russia decreased significantly by 25.4%, a result that reflects changes in international trade dynamics. Despite these declines, the port maintains a diversified portfolio of origins and destinations that mitigate risks of excessive trade concentration.
Exports from Europe, mainly from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, fundamentally consist of frozen products sent to various destinations spread across multiple continents. This trade pattern reflects the ability to transform and add value in European territories, which convert imported raw materials into higher value-added products for global markets.
The cold chain focus of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges was highlighted during Fruit Logistica in Berlin, a key international event for the perishable products logistics sector. The port participated alongside eight co-exhibitors: BNFW, De Ridder-Vanpaemel, DPS, Eurofruitports, Fresh Connection, Gate4EU, Geodis, and GTS. The joint presence underscores the strength of collaboration within the port's reefer container cluster.
Tineke Van de Voorde, key account manager of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, noted that "our joint presence at Fruit Logistica demonstrates that the success of our reefer traffic is genuinely a story for the entire port community. The fact that nearly one in ten containers arriving at our port is a fully operational reefer container illustrates how crucial temperature-controlled logistics have become today, and how strong we remain united in this field."