In 2011, the port of Ghent achieved a new record for the second year in a row. For the first time, the threshold of 50 million tonnes in cargo transhipment was surpassed. With an additional 2 million tonnes in transhipment, Ghent recorded growth of 4.4%, thereby reaffirming its position as a growing export port. Furthermore, it now seems that the diversity of the port of Ghent is a major asset in helping boost transhipment. It goes without saying that this growth benefits both added value and employment. Ghent Port Company's 2011 annual report gives you a view of this record year.
Improving maritime access
2011 was an important year for improving maritime access to the port. Flanders and the Netherlands opted to build a new, large sea lock in the Terneuzen lock complex. The ground was prepared to secure financing for the project. The financing agreement was signed in the spring of 2012. This will allow the port to develop further and provide businesses with the necessary security within the context of their investment policies.
As well as building a large sea lock, opening up the route to Paris is also extremely important. The European inland navigation project Seine-Scheldt was put into effect in France with the decision on the project’s financing.
Promoting support for the port
The Port Company took several new steps to promote support for the port in 2011. The Port Company is active in the city to raise awareness of the port, starting with Ghent, but extending nationally and internationally in the fields of culture and sport. Conversely, the Port Company offers the chance to experience the port from the inside to make everyone a supporter of the port.
Further build-up of financial reserves
In this record year the port registered the same turnover as in the year before. Extra costs however lower the profits, as appears from the 2011 annual accounts. The profit is mainly reserved for the further development of the port area and its infrastructure. Ghent Port Company consciously follows a prudent financial policy of further building up the financial reserves.
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