Representatives from Ports of Indiana and Port of Antwerp-Bruges met in Antwerp, Belgium, and agreed to advance economic and environmental port initiatives.
The agreement formalizes a plan to work together to further economic development, container shipping, decarbonization, security and technology integration.
“It’s an honor to partner with Europe’s second largest port. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a true world port and a major innovator for global shipping,” said Jody Peacock, Ports of Indiana CEO, in a press release.
The two ports have collaborated in the past. In June, Gov. Eric Holcomb traveled to Belgium on a trade mission. The state of Indiana and the Government of Flanders signed an understanding in December 2023, calling for cooperation between the Ports of Indiana and the Flemish sea ports.
“It’s exciting to launch this collaboration as Ports of Indiana is initiating new economic development and environmental programs that align with the goals and objectives of Port of Antwerp-Burges, including establishing the first all-water container shipping route between Europe, Chicago and the U.S. Midwest,” said Wim Dillen, Ports of Antwerp-Bruges international development manager. “Our ports, centrally located as key trade hubs, have tremendous opportunities to jointly pursue critical connections between Europe and North America.”
The ports will work together to develop container trade to support key industries, including manufacturing, agriculture and steel. They will also explore the development of a “Green Shipping Route” from Belgium to Indiana that could reduce carbon emissions versus traditional supply chain routings.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest port in Europe. It handles 290 million tons of international maritime cargo and generates over €21 billion annually.
Established in 1961, Ports of Indiana operates three ports on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River. Indiana’s ports handle 54 million tons and contribute $8.7 billion annually to Indiana’s economy.
Caption: Wim Dillen and Jody Peacock meet on the deck of a ship in Antwerp. (Photo provided by Ports of Indiana)
