Key facts
- Port of Antwerp-Bruges is increasing efforts to capture a larger share of India's exports.
- The port aims to become a future gateway for green hydrogen imports.
- Cargo volumes between India and Antwerp-Bruges decreased in 2025 compared to 2024.
- A delegation from Port of Antwerp-Bruges participated in a Belgian Economic Mission to India.
- An MOU was signed with Green H2 India to accelerate the energy transition and develop hydrogen ecosystems.
Europe's second-largest port, Antwerp-Bruges, is intensifying efforts to capture a larger share of India's exports and establish itself as a future hub for green hydrogen imports. This strategic push comes at a time when cargo volumes between India and the Belgian port have experienced a decline.
Cargo between India and Antwerp fell to 6.3 million tonnes in 2025 from 7.2 million tonnes in 2024, with container traffic also decreasing to 330,000 TEUs from 358,000 TEUs. This slowdown has prompted the port to investigate the reasons behind India's export growth not fully translating into higher cargo flows to Europe.
To bolster ties, a delegation from Port of Antwerp-Bruges participated in the Belgian Economic Mission to India from March 3-7, 2025. The objective was to strengthen partnerships for a sustainable future with India, recognized as the world's fastest-growing economy and a pivotal trading partner. The port sees India's expanding manufacturing sector as the 'factory of the world' and believes its own capabilities align well with India's IT, high-tech, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries.
Furthermore, India's ambition in renewable energy and green molecules resonates with Port of Antwerp-Bruges' focus on energy transition. As chair of the Belgian Hydrogen Council, the port partnered with Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Green H2 India. This agreement commits the parties to accelerating the energy transition, addressing industry needs, setting standards, exploring new technologies, and sharing expertise on policy development for green hydrogen.