May 24 - The port of Antwerp will hold a breakbulk summit next month aimed at reinvigorating its presence in the general cargo sector following a significant decline in traffic in the past three years.

As a key part of Antwerp's "Total Plan" strategy designed to boost its position in the Le Havre-Hamburg port range, breakbulk issues will be discussed at the June 22 meeting.

Attendees will include the Antwerp Port Authority, stevedores, ships agents, freight forwarders and local shipowners. The outcome should be the launch of an action plan.

The Port of Antwerp has publicly acknowledged that while containers are important, breakbulk is a major factor in adding value, and creating jobs in the port.

Some 300 port authority and private sector executives are expected to attend the meeting next month.