GCCA Europe is pleased to announce its two newest members – Port of Antwerp and EuroFruitPorts, both from Belgium. Welcome aboard!

As Europe's second-largest port, the Port of Antwerp is a major lifeline for the Belgian economy: more than 300 line services to over 800 destinations ensure global connectivity. The Port of Antwerp annually handles around 231 million tons of international maritime freight, and is home to Europe's largest integrated chemical cluster. The Port of Antwerp accounts, directly and indirectly, for a total of around 143,000 jobs and more than €20 billion added value.  True to its mission 'a home port vital for a sustainable future’, Antwerp Port Authority aims to flexibly respond to a rapidly evolving maritime market, allowing the port to continue playing its role as a leading world port. The emphasis in this respect is on cooperation, adaptability, a strong focus on innovation and digitisation, and on sustainable added value, as well as on responsibility towards society.

Ingrid Vanstreels, Business Development Manager explained why they joined GCCA: “We are convinced of our choice to have joined GCCA.  Our port community has years of expertise in the field of cold chain. We want to play our role as community builder and look forward to work together with other GCCA members to continue to improve a sustainable cold chain.”

Antwerp Port Authority is a limited liability company of public law, with the City of Antwerp as sole shareholder. It employs over 1.600 people. Port alderman Annick De Ridder is chairman of the Board of Directors and Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the day-to-day management. The reefer market saw worldwide growth in 2020. The port of Antwerp outperformed the global trend in this market segment with its growth figures. The increased volume of reefer containers in Antwerp is partly due to the increased demand for healthy foodstuffs worldwide. Another reason for the growth is due to the attractive position and specialist services offered by the port. Now, in 2021 the volumes are again increasing with 8 % compared to last year. Learn more about Port of Antwerp on here.

EuroFruitPorts Terminal specializes in fruit and frozen foods handled in their high-efficiency temperature-controlled storage in Antwerp offering a capacity of 6,000 pallets. The terminal is located close to the prominent container terminal which is one of the largest in Europe, allowing for short unloading time and therefore high efficiency handling capability.

Peter Tops, General Manager of EuroFruitPorts and Terminal Manager Euroports TA1207, explained their reasons for joining: “EFP (EuroFruitPorts) is a young and dynamic company always looking for opportunities and expansions. It has the BIO, AEO and FAVV certifications; the terminal has excellent connections to hinterland destinations via main roads and sufficient barge connections to the key European ports. We felt that joining GCCA would help us achieve our vision”. Learn more about EuroFruitPorts here.