比利时
Belgium
1. Port Overview
The Port of Antwerp is located in the Flemish region of northern Belgium, about 80 km from the North Sea on the lower reaches of the Scheldt River. It is the second largest port in Europe (after the Port of Rotterdam). The Port of Antwerp is one of Europe's most important integrated ports for chemicals, oil, and containers. The port area is connected to core industrial regions in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg via a dense network of roads, railways, and inland waterways.
2. Port Scale and Facilities
The Port of Antwerp covers over 120 square kilometers, stretching approximately 20 km along both banks of the Scheldt River. It features several modern container terminals, such as Deurganck and MSC PSA European Terminal, as well as dedicated facilities for Europe's largest chemical industry cluster. Annual container throughput is approximately 12 million TEU (including double counting), and total cargo throughput exceeds 200 million tons [according to Port of Antwerp-Bruges 2025].
3. Main Shipping Routes from China
| Port of Loading | Estimated Transit Time | Common Shipping Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Shanghai | 26-30 days | COSCO, MSC, CMA CGM |
| Port of Ningbo | 25-29 days | ONE, MSC |
| Port of Shenzhen | 27-31 days | COSCO, MAERSK |
| Port of Qingdao | 28-32 days | CMA CGM, COSCO |
4. Key Points on Trade and Logistics with China
China is Belgium's largest trading partner outside the EU. The Port of Antwerp is a global diamond trading center and an important port for European chemical and automobile imports/exports.
Suitable cargo for transport via the Port of Antwerp: Chemicals (Europe's chemical hub), auto parts, machinery, consumer goods. The Port of Antwerp ranks first in Europe for chemical cargo handling capacity, with dedicated chemical terminals and storage facilities.
Bofeng Logistics Experience Sharing: The Port of Antwerp, together with the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Hamburg, forms the three major European base ports. Shipping capacity among the three ports can be mutually redeployed. If vessel schedules at the destination port are limited, consider diverting to the Port of Hamburg in the north or the Port of Rotterdam in the south, then transferring to Antwerp via inland waterway or rail.
5. Shipping Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What special requirements does the Port of Antwerp have for chemical shipments? A: The Port of Antwerp is Europe's chemical center and has a comprehensive management system for chemical transport. However, shippers need to provide in advance: MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), dangerous goods declaration (if applicable), and REACH registration number (required under EU chemicals management regulations). We recommend confirming document completeness with us before shipping chemicals.
Q: What is the free storage period and demurrage policy at the Port of Antwerp? A: The free storage period is typically 4-7 days. Demurrage is charged daily after that, with higher rates for chemicals and dangerous goods. It is not advisable to store chemicals or dangerous goods at the Port of Antwerp for an extended period.
6. Bofeng Logistics Services
- Full Container Load (FCL): Standard containers and special containers
- Less than Container Load (LCL): Fixed weekly LCL service from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Antwerp
- Customs Clearance: China export + Europe import customs consultation
- European Inland Extensions: Antwerp to Germany/France/Netherlands by rail/barge combined transport
📍 Feel free to contact us for real-time freight rates.
Related ports: Port of Rotterdam | Port of Hamburg