---

The port of Antwerp has announced that it will be raising its port dues by 2 percent from the start of next year. The decision was made by the Port Authority’s board of directors last week.

Commenting on the decision, Antwerp Port Authority said: "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 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 its terminal facilities and on the seaward side by promoting growth in trade.

"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."

Environmental Ship Index

In 2012, the port said it will continue to offer a discount of 10 percent to ships with an Environmental Ship Index (ESI) of 31 points or more.

The ESI will also be extended next year to barges. Vessels equipped with CCR III or CCR III-certified engines will be offered a reduction of 7 percent on port dues for calls in 2012.

The reduced rates introduced in 2010 for breakbulk carriers loading or unloading in the port will still apply in 2012, the port said.