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Why the Belgian port of Zeebrugge is a strategic location for consignments between Europe and the UK & Ireland
The Belgian Port of Zeebrugge has long been recognised as a strategic hub for trade with the United Kingdom and Ireland. Today, it remains a vital link, facilitating significant volumes of trade and offering numerous advantages for businesses looking to streamline their logistics. Here are some key benefits of shipping your goods from Zeebrugge.
1. High trade volume and importance
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, which includes Zeebrugge, is the second most important port for trade with UK & Ireland. The port handles an annual throughput of more than 25.7 million tonnes to and from the UK, and 4.2 million tonnes between Europe and Ireland. This high trade volume underscores the port’s crucial role in facilitating commerce between these regions.
2. Short and direct maritime routes
One of Zeebrugge’s most significant advantages is its geographical proximity to the UK & Ireland. From Zeebrugge, there are direct shipping routes to various ports in Northern England. The Belgian port offers some of the shortest maritime routes, providing a faster and more direct connection compared to train routes via Calais (FR), for example. This efficiency can result in quicker delivery times and reduced transportation costs.
3. Exceptional flexibility and frequency
The port of Zeebrugge is renowned for its flexibility, offering high-frequency shipping to UK & Ireland. Result: businesses can manage their inventory more effectively and respond swiftly to market demands, realising just-in-time deliveries. The ability to dispatch goods with such regularity ensures that supply chains remain robust and adaptable.
4. Advanced warehousing solutions
NDQ’s warehouse in the port of Zeebrugge offers extensive storage facilities, enabling producers to efficiently send their goods to distribution centres in UK & Ireland as needed. This capacity is particularly beneficial for managing inventory, reducing storage costs, and ensuring that products are available precisely when required. Moreover, goods can be stored and bundled to enhance shipping efficiency as well.
5. Expert post-Brexit customs handling
Following Brexit, the expertise in customs handling at Zeebrugge has become invaluable. NDQ possesses the necessary administrative knowledge to navigate the complexities of the specific customs regulations for shipping to UK & Ireland, ensuring smooth and compliant transit of goods. This expertise helps mitigate potential delays and complications associated with cross-border trade.
6. Excellent connectivity and sustainable solutions
Zeebrugge boasts excellent rail and shortsea connections to various destinations across Europe. This intermodal capability offers a practical solution to both the driver shortage and the need for more sustainable logistics operations. By facilitating a modal shift, the port of Zeebrugge helps reduce the reliance on road transport, lowering carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Shipping your goods from the Port of Zeebrugge presents numerous benefits, from its strategic location and high trade volume to its advanced warehousing solutions and exceptional connectivity. Whether you’re looking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance sustainability, Zeebrugge offers the infrastructure and expertise to meet your logistics needs.
Ready to optimise your supply chain? Discover how NDQ can help you leverage the advantages of the Port of Zeebrugge for your consignments between the European mainland and the UK & Ireland.