The Port of Brussels resists coronavirus
Despite the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown, the Port of Brussels recorded a 0.3% increase in traffic in 2020. However, the goods that make up the bulk of its transported products - building materials, petroleum products and containers - have been affected by the pandemic.
Demand for building materials dropped following the closure of construction sites last spring. The need for petroleum products was also affected by lockdown, which reduced road travel. However, these recessions were offset by the explosion in the transport of food by river. So much so that "The Port of Brussels is recording its third best year in terms of its own traffic since its creation as a regional company in 1993,″ according to the port authorities. In figures, this translates into total traffic of 6.64 million tonnes in 2020, compared to 6.62 million tonnes the previous year.
The Port of Brussels is a major economic hub in the Brussels Region, managing 14 kilometres of waterways and 6 kilometres of quays, with almost 200 companies established in this port area.
Its central position makes it a leading partner for river traffic between Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany.