Port of Antwerp, Antwerp

The Port of Antwerp is a pivotal maritime gateway not only for Europe but also for international trade. Lying on the banks of the Scheldt estuary, this port is uniquely placed at the upper end of a tidal estuary navigable by ships of over 100,000 Gross Tons, extending up to 80 kilometers inland. This inland location, akin to the Port of Hamburg, places Antwerp more centrally within Europe compared to most North Sea ports, giving it a significant logistical advantage.

The port's well-connected docks, reaching into the hinterland via rail, road, river, and canal routes, underscore its role as a critical transport hub. This connectivity has not only sustained but enhanced its status as a major node for European logistics and freight distribution. The Port of Antwerp is also celebrated for being the furthest inland seaport in Europe and the continent's primary hub for steel and petrochemicals.

Significant historical milestones include the construction of the first lock and dock by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1811, named the Bonaparte Dock. Over the years, particularly after World War II, the port saw major expansions and modernizations, part-funded by the American Marshall Plan. Additions such as the Berendrecht Lock, once the world's largest, and recent developments like the Kieldrecht Lock, the current largest in the world, alongside the largest tidal dock, the Deurganck Dock, are testaments to its growth and importance. Both have been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Today, the Port of Antwerp not only stands as a crucial economic asset for Belgium but also as a linchpin in the network of global maritime trade, providing liner services to 800 different maritime destinations and receiving ships carrying more than 20,000 TEU weekly. Its continuous development and strategic location maintain its reputation as the major gateway to Europe.