December 23 - The Port of Antwerp is to increase its port dues by 2 percent in 2012, the first adjustment in three years.

The Port Authority said that the increased dues would enable investment in developing port infrastructure, including improvements to terminal facilities.

"When it comes to setting the level of dues, the Port Authority remains a very stable partner for port users," said CEOEddy Bruyninckx . "Offering attractive yet realistic port dues remains the basis of our policy. The rates policy for the port is characterised by continuity, not by day-to-day considerations with sudden increases or decreases."

In 2012, the port will continue to offer a discount of 10 percent to ships with an Environmental Ship Index (ESI) of 31 points or more. Furthermore, the ESI will be extended next year to barges; barge vessels will be offered a reduction of 7 percent on port dues for calls in 2012. In addition, the reduced rates introduced in 2010 for breakbulk carriers loading or unloading in the port will still apply in 2012.

www.portofantwerp.com