Maritime economy
Baron Eddy Bruyninckx - CEO of the Port of Antwerp receives a title of nobility

Antwerp/Belgium, 01.08.2016 - After 25 years as CEO of Antwerp Port Authority, Eddy Bruyninckx has been elevated to the peerage. His Majesty Philippe, King of the Belgians, has conferred the title of Baron on the 65-year-old. In Belgium, this title can be awarded to people who have rendered outstanding services. Port Director Eddy Bruyninckx was honored for his tireless commitment to the port of Antwerp, which has defended and further expanded its position among the 15 largest ports in the world and as the strong number two in Europe during his time in office. According to tradition, Bruyninckx received his title on Belgium's National Day, when seven other Belgians were also honored with this distinction. Marc Van Peel, Chairman of the Antwerp Port Authority, congratulated Eddy Bruyninckx on his elevation to the peerage: "Eddy Bruyninckx has rendered countless valuable services to the port during his 25 years in office. Under his leadership, the port has developed an outstanding performance. Last year, a record handling volume of more than 208 million tons was achieved. And the port is also on track for a new throughput record in 2016."
The three pillars on which the port is built - maritime transshipment, warehouse logistics and industrial activities - have become increasingly important over the past 25 years. "The port of Antwerp has developed into a leading logistics hub," explains Marc Van Peel. "The port landscape has also changed significantly in the industrial sector - examples are the numerous investments in the chemical and petrochemical cluster and the strong growth in the handling of liquid goods. In the container sector, Antwerp has established itself as the undisputed number two in Europe with a volume of well over nine million TEU last year. According to CEO Bruyninckx, the 150,000 people who work directly or indirectly for the port of Antwerp deserve credit for this."
Eddy Bruyninckx (65) will retire at the end of 2016. "As CEO, he has proven that he can build bridges. In this respect, this title of nobility is a justified recognition of his achievements," added Marc Van Peel. Jacques Vandermeiren will succeed Baron Eddy Bruyninckx as CEO of the Antwerp Port Authority on January 1, 2017. red
Photo: Belga Images









