Belgian port delegation makes trade mission to northwest Indiana
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A delegation led by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium visited northwest Indiana on Wednesday as part of a trade mission to explore economic opportunities and new container shipments between U.S. Midwest and European markets.
The group toured the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor, which will soon become the first international sea cargo container terminal on Lake Michigan, as well as the port’s steel processing facilities, the Ports of Indiana said in a news release.
The visit comes nearly a year after the Ports of Indiana and Port of Antwerp-Bruge signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on multiple initiatives, including advancing economic development, container shipping and port security.
Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said the trade mission represents an important next step in the partnership as the two ports work to expand cargo shipments.
“The Great Lakes provide a strategic connection between our regions, and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of our most important trading partners in the world,” Peacock said in the release. “We’re excited to explore additional business opportunities with new container shipments and increased exports to European markets.”
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second-largest port in Europe and 13th largest in the world, according to the release.
The delegation was led by Wim Dillen, international development manager for the Belgian port. It also included government investment and trade representatives, as well as leadership from freight-forwarding agencies with major operations at the port.
“This trade mission demonstrates our strong commitment to growing trade with Indiana through new and innovative supply chain solutions creating a competitive advantage for our customers,” said Dillen. “We are eager to explore new container shipping opportunities between our ports and continue to build alliances that we will grow shipping via the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes.”
Last June, the Ports of Indiana launched the Indiana Container Initiative, designed to support the development of multiple international container terminals throughout the state.
The port authority said the new ocean container terminal will anchor the only all-water service between Europe and the greater Chicagoland market.
“Our partnership with Port of Antwerp-Bruges has already identified opportunities to grow containerized trade to support industries such as advanced manufacturing and electronics, clean energy, chemicals, life sciences, steel, agriculture and hardwoods, all which are very important to our countries’ economic futures,” said Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor Port Director Ryan McCoy. “We are also excited about the opportunities for bulk and breakbulk cargo growth.”