Join the Society of Maritime Industries for a visit and tour to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Join the Society of Maritime Industries for a visit and tour to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges

The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) is pleased to invite you to join the annual PTG Port Visit to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium. This port tour offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the organisation and functioning of one of Europe's primary ports, while witnessing it in action. The deadline for registering is 2nd June 2023, to register please fill in this form. 

Programme:

The programme is evolving but the key elements will be:

Wednesday 5th July

Convene at delegate hotel in Antwerp by 18.00-18.30. (The 13.01 Eurostar from St Pancras International with onward connections will arrive Antwerp Central by 18.00.  SMI can advise on all train routes and timings for outward travel via St Pancras International/Antwerp Central and return). Evening dinner with the UK delegation and Port officials.

Thursday 6th July

Background to Port of Antwerp-Bruges:

Situated along the Scheldt River, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has a strategic location in the heart of Europe. It provides a direct connection to the North Sea, making it an ideal gateway for international trade between Europe, Asia, and other regions.

The port covers a vast area, with over 12,000 hectares of land and 90 kilometers of quay walls. It is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including deepwater berths, modern container terminals, specialized facilities for different types of cargo, and extensive warehousing and logistics capabilities.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a significant driver of the Belgian and European economies.  The port employs, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 people and generates added value of more than €21 billion. As such, it is an important lifeline for the Belgian economy.

It serves as a vital hub for various industries, including petrochemicals, automotive, steel, food, and consumer goods. The port handles a diverse range of cargo, including containers, liquid bulk, dry bulk, and breakbulk, contributing to regional employment and economic growth.

Known for its efficiency and productivity, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of the leading container ports in the world. It offers a wide range of container terminals operated by both private companies and the port authority itself. The port has excellent rail, road, and inland waterway connections, facilitating seamless transport of containers to and from the hinterland.

The port is committed to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. It has implemented various initiatives to reduce emissions, promote energy efficiency, and integrate circular economy principles. The port actively invests in innovative technologies and digitalization to enhance operational efficiency and optimize logistics processes.

Prices for Participating:

Prices include:

•  Evening dinner and overnight accommodation Wednesday 5^th (breakfast included) in four-star hotel in Antwerp (hotel to be advised) on Wednesday 5th July 2023 including breakfast.
• Port tour, travel by coach at the Port and light lunch on Thursday 6th July. 
•  SMI’s administration charge

Registration deadline:

To participate in the tour please complete this form by Friday 2^nd June 2023.

Important notes:

• Cost of travel to and from Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be on your own account.
•  Coach travel during the Port Tour is included.
• SMI can advise on appropriate train routes and timings for outward travel via St Pancras International/Antwerp Central and return.
• The numbers who can attend the visit are limited and places will be allocated strictly in the order in which registrations are received.
• SMI will need to receive a sufficient number of bookings (10 persons) for the visit to proceed.

Terms and conditions of booking:

Receipt by the Society of Maritime Industries of a properly completed booking form signed by a delegate is contractually binding irrespective of whether payment has been received. Where payment is not made by credit card at the time of receipt of the booking form by the Society of Maritime Industries, it must be made within 7 days of receipt of an invoice from the Society of Maritime Industries.

• Changes of delegate names can be made up to 15 full working days before the event but fees cannot be refunded for cancellations received after the registration deadline. Refund for bookings cancelled before expiry of the registration deadline will be limited to 50% of the fee. 
• It may be necessary to amend the timings or parts of the programme but fees due cannot be refunded.
•  If, for reasons beyond the control of the Society of Maritime Industries, it is necessary to cancel the event or postpone it to another date or venue, the fee paid will be held as a credit for the delegate’s attendance at future SMI events.
•  The Society of Maritime Industries is not responsible for any loss or damage as a result of a substitution, alteration, postponement, or cancellation of the event due to causes beyond its control including but without limitation natural disasters, sabotage, accident, trade or industrial disputes or hostilities.
•  Participants are responsible for organising their own travel arrangements to/from the Tour Hotel.  SMI are able to advise on appropriate SMI can advise on all train routes and timings for outward travel via St Pancras International/Antwerp Central and return.
• Hotel room including breakfast will be settled in advance but any additional charges (room service, other expenses etc) will need to be covered directly by participants at the hotel.