According to data released by the Belgian port authority, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 1,170,394 TEU of reefer containers in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 0.6%, setting a new historical record. A 13.5% growth in imports was the main driver of this increase.

Exports remained largely stable, growing by 0.9%, accounting for 35% of the total reefer cargo throughput. Transshipment volume declined by 4.4% due to carrier schedule adjustments. The port authority noted that nearly 10% of inbound containers were fully functional reefer units, with traditional reefer transport increasing by 4.9% year-on-year.

Import volume declined by 0.7%, while export volume grew by 52.5%, which the port attributes to market demand and improved logistics capabilities. Fresh produce constitutes approximately 90% of reefer imports, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish, with the majority of cargo originating from Latin America.

Imports from Panama grew by 122.8%, imports from South Africa increased by 36.2%, while imports from Ecuador decreased by 21.8%. On the export side, the United States remains the largest destination.

Exports of fruits and vegetables to Egypt grew by 206.7%, while exports to Russia declined by 25.4%. As part of its cold chain cluster initiative, the port showcased its reefer strategy at the Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin with eight joint exhibitors.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a European port authority managing the port platforms of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. It operates as a public limited liability company under public law, with the cities of Antwerp and Bruges as shareholders, and is responsible for the nautical access, infrastructure management, and commercial development of both port areas.