By Bert Geeraerts, Commercial Manager Containers of Europe Cargo BV
To get a sense of where European logistics is going, it’s worth starting with Belgium. The country’s position at the heart of the continent is not just a matter of geography—it is a deliberate strategy, shaped by decades of investment in ports, multimodal corridors, and digital infrastructure. In 2025, Belgium is not waiting to catch up. The focus is on setting new standards in efficiency, sustainability, and resilience for the entire region. The conversation here is about how to move more, faster, and cleaner—and how to stay ahead in a market that is changing by the month.
Antwerp-Bruges: The Engine of Continental Trade
Antwerp-Bruges is not just a port; it is the backbone of European supply chains. The numbers tell the story. In 2024, the port handled over 13.5 million TEUs, maintaining its place among the world’s top container ports. But this is not just about throughput. The real differentiator is the port’s ability to adapt. DP World’s €200 million investment in Antwerp Gateway is a case in point. By 2025, the terminal will be able to process 3.4 million TEUs annually, thanks to automated stacking cranes, hybrid straddle carriers, and a new generation of digital platforms. These are not experiments—they are operational realities, driving down turnaround times and cutting emissions per move.
The port’s strategy is clear: capacity expansion must go hand in hand with sustainability. The rollout of hydrogen-ready infrastructure and circular economy projects is not an afterthought. It is fundamental to the port’s future. The goal is to ensure that every additional container moved is also a step toward lower emissions and greater resource efficiency. This is how Antwerp-Bruges is positioning itself—not just as a European leader, but as a global benchmark for port operations.
The Rise of Multimodal Logistics
Belgium’s logistics sector is not built on ports alone. The real strength lies in the integration of road, rail, inland waterways, and air. Liège Airport is a prime example. In 2024, the airport handled 1.2 million tonnes of cargo, with a clear trajectory toward doubling that figure by 2040. The airport’s 24/7 operations and direct rail connections to the ports of Antwerp and Liège are not just conveniences—they are deliberate choices to create a logistics ecosystem that is resilient and flexible.
Brussels Airport is following a similar path. In 2024, it recorded a 5% increase in cargo volumes, reaching 733,000 tonnes. The addition of new carriers and the recovery of passenger belly capacity have been important, but the real story is the investment in pharma and perishable logistics. The airport’s new temperature-controlled facilities are attracting high-value, time-sensitive cargo that demands precision and reliability.
The Belgian government’s support for multimodal corridors is not just policy—it is a competitive advantage. The North Sea Port rail corridor, connecting Ghent to Terneuzen and beyond, is reducing road congestion and emissions while improving transit times. The numbers are clear: in 2024, rail’s share of container transport at Antwerp-Bruges rose to 15%, up from 12% just three years ago. This is the direction of travel for the entire sector.
Warehousing: From Footprint to Function
The warehouse market in Belgium is evolving. In 2024, total take-up reached 927,000 m²—a drop from the previous year, but the context matters. Vacancy rates remain below 5%, and demand for new, energy-efficient facilities is outpacing supply. The shift toward built-to-suit projects is unmistakable. In the second half of 2024 alone, over 370,000 m² of new warehouse space was delivered, much of it pre-let to major retailers and 3PLs.
Automation is no longer a future aspiration; it is the present reality. High-bay warehouses, robotics, and AI-driven inventory systems are now standard features in new developments. Colruyt’s automated distribution center in Londerzeel and Cdiscount’s facility near Paris are setting new benchmarks for throughput and labor productivity. The message from the market is clear: efficiency gains are coming from smarter, not just larger, warehouses.
Sustainability: From Compliance to Differentiation
Sustainability is not a slogan in Belgium—it is a requirement. Clients are demanding lower emissions, and policymakers are responding with new incentives and regulations. The logistics sector is adapting quickly. Electric and hydrogen-powered trucks are moving from pilot programs to mainstream adoption, driven by tax breaks and the promise of lower total cost of ownership.
The numbers are compelling. Homerr’s bundled delivery model has reduced CO₂ emissions by 79% per parcel. Febetra’s push for ecocombis—longer, heavier trucks—could cut emissions by a third per trip if regulatory barriers are lifted. The industry is not waiting for mandates; it is moving ahead, knowing that sustainability is now a core part of the value proposition.
Labor and Talent: The Next Bottleneck
Capacity is not just about infrastructure. Labor is the new constraint. In 2024, 31% of logistics job postings in Belgium were for temporary roles, a clear sign of the sector’s struggle to find and retain talent. The challenge is not just quantity, but quality. Employers are looking for multilingual professionals with digital skills and a strong understanding of sustainability. The response has been a wave of upskilling programs and a renewed focus on employer branding.
Labor costs remain high by European standards, but the sector is adapting. Flexible contracts, tax reforms, and automation are helping to bridge the gap. The message is clear: the future of logistics in Belgium will be shaped as much by people as by infrastructure.
Digitalization: From Hype to Execution
Digital platforms are now central to logistics operations. Blockchain for real-time tracking, AI for demand forecasting, and IoT for asset monitoring are no longer buzzwords—they are deployed at scale. The benefits are tangible: fewer errors, faster customs clearance, and better visibility across the supply chain. The sector is moving beyond pilots to full integration, knowing that digitalization is now a baseline expectation for clients.
Market Trends and Economic Impact
The logistics sector remains a cornerstone of Belgium’s economy. In 2024, it contributed over €40 billion to GDP and supported more than 150,000 jobs. The market is forecast to grow at 2.1% annually through 2030, with e-commerce and pharma logistics leading the way. The construction sector is also set to expand, with a 3.2% annual growth rate projected for transport infrastructure projects between 2026 and 2029.
The numbers are important, but so is the context. Belgium’s regulatory environment is stable, and public-private collaboration is strong. The sector’s resilience was tested during the recent national strikes, which caused temporary congestion but also highlighted the adaptability of operators and the strength of multimodal alternatives.
Looking Ahead: Integration and Resilience
The future of Belgian logistics will be defined by integration. Ports, airports, rail, and road are coming together to create a supply chain that is not just efficient, but resilient. The focus is on building capacity that can flex with demand, absorb shocks, and deliver on sustainability goals. The challenge is significant, but so is the opportunity.
The next chapter will be written by those who can combine investment with execution. For Europe Cargo BV, the priorities are clear: invest in scalable automation, build strong partnerships across modes, and stay ahead of regulatory and market changes. The sector is moving fast, and the winners will be those who can anticipate change and deliver results.
Setting the Standard for Europe
Belgium is not just keeping pace with logistics trends—it is shaping them. The country’s ports, airports, and multimodal corridors are setting new benchmarks for capacity, sustainability, and digitalization. The sector’s ability to adapt—to new technologies, new regulations, and new market demands—is its greatest strength. The future of logistics in Europe is being written here, and the message is clear: capacity, connectivity, and resilience are the new standards. Anyone serious about logistics in Europe is paying close attention to what is happening in Belgium.
Freyt World Blog Contributor
Freyt World is a global logistics network uniting members from around the world. Our mission is to revolutionize global logistics through collaboration and innovation. Our platform goes beyond networking, enabling members to excel and grow together, featuring articles by logistics professionals for their peers. This series will cover industry-relevant issues and news, providing valuable insights for professionals in the field.
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