Port of Antwerp-Bruges sets new reefer record in 2025, driven by 14 percent jump in imports

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges published its end-of-year results for 2025, reporting record growth in the reefer segment, which accounted for 35 percent of total volume moved through the point of entry. 

In total, nearly one in ten containers arriving at the port is a fully operational reefer container, emphasizing the importance of the cold chain to the port.

“The success of our reefer traffic is truly a story of the entire port community,” said Tineke Van de Voorde, Key Account Manager Port of Antwerp-Bruges, in a press release published on the port’s website. “The fact that nearly one in ten containers arriving at our port is a fully operational reefer shows how crucial temperature-controlled logistics has become today, and how strong we stand together in this field.”

Conventional refrigerated transport at Port of Antwerp-Bruges shows a strong annual growth of nearly 59 percent. While segment imports declined slightly by 0.7 percent, exports increased significantly by 52.5 percent.

According to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges authority, these figures reflect both strong market demand and a well-developed logistics network.

Diverse origins and goods converge at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Approximately 90 percent of reefer imports at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges consist of fresh products, including fruit, vegetables, and meat/fish. The majority of these goods originate from Latin America. 

Panama recorded a strong growth of 123 percent, while imports from South Africa also increased significantly by 36 percent. In terms of exports, the United States remains the most important destination. 

Exports of fruit and vegetables to Egypt rose sharply by 207 percent. Morocco shows remarkable growth, both as a country of origin and as a destination. In contrast, Ecuador recorded a 22 percent decline in import volume, while exports to Russia decreased by 25 percent.

Exports from Europe, mainly Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, consisted primarily of frozen products shipped to various destinations across multiple continents.

*All images courtesy of the Port Antwerp-Bruges.

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