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The online tool, which launched last year, is designed to inform users about transport options to and from the Belgian port. Now, the platform is home to around 70 transport operators and their intermodal connections, more than 280 shipping companies listing their maritime connections, and 12 container shipping companies showing details of their empty depot networks.

“Tens of thousands of users have visited the Connectivity Platform this year and made intensive use of it,” said port alderman Marc Van Peel.

“Since it was first launched, 200 container terminals in 15 European countries have joined the platform.”

New features added to the platform include a search function that shows a range of deep-sea and short-sea services to and from the port. Users can search for connections by country, by port, or by route, with agents and shipping companies listed for each port offering services between it and Antwerp, as well as the form of shipping and frequency of connection.

“With this handy transport planning tool we are able to promote our very wide range and the many service providers in the port of Antwerp,” said Mr Van Peel.

“Moreover, the platform points our customers and service providers in the right direction, so that they can link up easily.”

The platform also provides a search function for empty depots, with shipping companies listing where it is possible to pick up and drop off containers across much of mainland Europe. The Port claims that this function will help shipping companies reduce both costs and emissions.  

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