Green light for merger of Antwerp and Bruges ports after approval of the colleges of aldermen
On Friday 11 March, the Antwerp College of Aldermen approved the merger between the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. The approval of the Bruges Council of Aldermen followed on Monday 14 March. After this approval and after the vote on the ‘merger decree’ in the Flemish Parliament, the merger of the two ports is a step closer to realizing the result.
The next step is now the merger of the two public limited companies: the Antwerp Port Authority NV under public law and the Brugse Zeehaven Company.
On March 28, the municipal councils of Antwerp and Bruges will develop their understanding of the shareholders’ agreement agreed by the colleges of aldermen.
The Boards of Directors of the Antwerp Port Authority and the Company of the Bruges Seaports then each convene an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the partial demergers and the articles of association of the unified port company. This general meeting is scheduled for April 22. Enter into a shareholders’ agreement in connection with their rights and obligations as shareholders of the unified port company, Port of Antwerp – Brugge NV under public law, called ‘Port of Antwerp – Brugge’.
“The Port of Antwerp – Bruges is the gateway to the European mainland. At this time, geopolitically, the unification of both ports is a powerful way to strengthen our position on the world map. We can be proud of the contribution that the work of the tens of thousands of employees in ports and petrochemicals contribute to our economy and prosperity.
Annick De Ridder, Antwerp Port Alderman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Antwerp Port Authority: “The unified port is now really in sight, thanks to the strong work of both and a lot of people behind the scenes and policy teams. On April 22 the Port of Antwerp – Bruges will legally see the light of day. It will be the first day of an ambitious port of the unified port Port of Antwerp – Bruges that wants to become the energy gateway to Europe. In short, history is here and history is being made here!”
“After long and visible negotiations, the final stage has been reached to arrive at the legally unified port on April 22. After this date, of course, the very extensive work in both port platforms – Antwerp and Zeebrugge. As mayor and chairman of the Society of the Brugse Zeehaven I believe that this merger operation will lead to a growth of economic activity and employment in both locations and an enormous boost to the international reputation of Flanders in the world”, concludes Dirk De fauw, mayor of the city of Bruges and chairman of the the Company of the Bruges Seaport.
Source: Port of Antwerp