In 2009, port of Ghent recorded a cargo traffic of 37.2 million tonnes, 21% less than in the record year 2008. At the end of 2009 only a slight decrease was recorded, which gives hope for the future. Ghent Port Company already prepares itself for a revival with quite a set of investments and a strategic plan.

10 years ago, Ghent Port Company took the step towards computerizing the entire service rendering concerning shipping assistance, goods handling, administrative and financial transactions in the port by means of a port information system. Moreover, the port information system is a great help for contingency planning, the fire brigade and emergency services. The seminar ’10 years of e-government in the port' extra highlighted this milestone on Friday, 11 December.

On Wednesday, November 25 port of Ghent welcomed the MS Charlotta for the first time. During her maiden trip this container vessel immediately called at port of Ghent in order to collect containers at the new Kluizendok.
 

Port of Ghent obtained the second place for the ESPO Award, the European award for the port that is best able to improve the societal integration with its city or larger community. The port received this special mention for the ‘Project Ghent Canal Zone - Working together on the sustainable development of the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal Zone'.