Port of Antwerp: innovation the key to high-quality food and farming

From its strategic location and dedicated facilities, to experienced port stakeholders and partners, the Port of Antwerp already boasts numerous advantages when it comes to getting food onto European plates. It is also developing pioneering solutions in partnership with the port community. It is the same commitment to innovation that saw it set up an Agricultural Innovation Fund, to promote sustainable co-existence between agriculture, nature, and port activities. An interview with Ingrid Vanstreels, Business development advisor at Port of Antwerp, and Dorien Van Cauteren, Environmental expert at Port of Antwerp Port of Antwerp is an active AIVP member since 2008 AIVP – In 2019, you reaffirmed your aim of becoming Europe’s number one port for perishable goods. Antwerp has seen growth in this traffic in recent years. What are your biggest advantages in this area? Ingrid Vanstreels, Business development advisor, Port of Antwerp -First of all our biggest advantage is our strategic location. As an inland deepsea port - we are located 80km land inwards - the distance between Antwerp and the European consumption areas is often the shortest. That’s why a lot of regular maritime liner services are calling at the Port of Antwerp and we are the first port of call in Europe for many Latin American and West-African destinations. Not only do we have excellent overseas connection, we also offer smooth hinterland connections via an extensive network of European highways, waterways and railroads. That’s why it’s safe to say Port of Antwerp offers the fastest way from the field to the shelf. Off course, a port is only as capable as the companies that are situated within the area. Specialized companies with years of experience and a passion for the job are eager to share their expertise. A large range of added value services are available, such as storage in special refrigerated and fresh areas, phytosanitary inspections and customs clearance. Furthermore, the service providers are adapting their capacities to the growing…