With an overall cargo traffic by seagoing and inland navigation of 12 million tonnes round, Ghent recorded 750,000 tonnes less than in the first quarter of last year or a decrease by 5.8%. As a matter of fact, 2011 was the best year ever. It experienced a very strong beginning following the powerful end of 2010.
In the first quarter, with a total of 6.2 million tonnes, seaborne cargo traffic registered a decrease by 13% in comparison with the same period in 2011. But then again, the first quarter of the record year 2011 was the highest one ever.
However, for seaborne cargo traffic in the first three months, Ghent does register a monthly average of 2 million tonnes – which is as such a good result. In January and February a hesitating start can be noted but in March transhipment by sea is again at a good level.
Inland navigation registered 5.8 million tonnes of cargo traffic. With a 3.4% increase, inland navigation keeps on obtaining good results in Ghent.
Ghent Port Company is pleased
Ghent Port Company is pleased with this total cargo traffic of 12 million tonnes for the first quarter, especially in het light of the worldwide economic crisis. After all, these results link up with the 2010 level, with 48 million tonnes the second best year ever. After a few lesser months, seaborne navigation seems to recover at the end of the first quarter. Inland navigation keeps on doing well. Moreover, a number of companies quite recently offered no less than 1,500 vacant jobs at the Job Fair. These are signs that in all, port of Ghent remains on the same level.
Cargo categories via seagoing and inland navigation
For seaborne cargo traffic, agricultural products and foodstuffs register good results. Petroleum and petroleum products, ores, building materials (sand), salt as well as solid mineral fuels go downhill. Fertilizers remain on the same level.
As for inland navigation, fertilizers and metallurgical products are on the up. Among other categories, agricultural products, petroleum and petroleum products experience a slight growth. Foodstuffs and chemical products go downhill.