Antwerp-Bruges, SLPA strengthen ties in port operations
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges delegation recently visited the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to explore collaboration opportunities and strengthen long-term maritime partnerships.
Led by Maartje Driessens, Head of Business Development, and Achille Sobry, Associate Manager and Regional Lead for the Indian Subcontinent, the delegation engaged with senior SLPA management to explore ways to enhance future collaboration between Sri Lanka’s port sector and one of Europe’s most significant maritime hubs.
As a major European port, Antwerp-Bruges plays a crucial role in global trade. Discussions centred on boosting cooperation in logistics, port management, and sustainable development.
SLPA expressed its willingness to formalise these plans through a prospective Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering sustained maritime collaboration.
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The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is recognised as a key European contributor to the growth of Colombo, which remains a leading port in the region.
Alongside Colombo, the delegation also visited the Port of Trincomalee. Trincomalee, one of South Asia’s largest natural deep-water harbours, is targeted by SLPA for development as a modern industrial port.
Planned facilities include energy terminals, bulk cargo handling, storage, and maritime-related industries, positioning Trincomalee as a strategic complement to Colombo’s role as a premier container hub.
The visit lays the groundwork for enhanced cooperation between Antwerp-Bruges and Sri Lanka’s ports, signalling a shared commitment to expanding trade links and sustainable maritime development in the region.
In August, A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) signed a three-year Terminal Service Agreement with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
