Ports of Indiana signs MOU with Belgian port
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The Ports of Indiana on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium. The state’s port authority said the agreement formalizes a plan to collaborate on multiple initiatives, including advancing economic development, container shipping and port security.
The MOU was signed by Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International Development Manager Wim Dillen.
“Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a true world port and a major innovator for global shipping,” Peacock said in a news release. “Our ports have mutual strategic, economic, and innovation interests, and this agreement formalizes a plan for working together to advance key shipping and port development initiatives that will support robust sustainable growth in both of our regions.”
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest port in Europe, employing 164,000 people and handling 290 million tons of cargo per year.
The MOU will allow the partners to explore the development of container trade to support key industries, including advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, agriculture and steel, the Ports of Indiana said.
Additionally, the agreement aims to strengthen each of the partners’ commitment to decarbonization through the exploration of a “green shipping route” between Indiana and Belgium.
“It’s exciting to launch this collaboration as Ports of Indiana is initiating new economic development and environmental programs that align with the goals and objectives of Port of Antwerp-Burges, including establishing the first all-water container shipping route between Europe, Chicago and the U.S. Midwest,” Dillen said. “Our ports, centrally located as key trade hubs, have tremendous opportunities to jointly pursue critical connections between Europe and North America.”
In June, the Ports of Indiana launched the Indiana Container Initiative to explore the development of multiple international container terminals throughout the state.
Earlier this month, the port authority announced that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has approved a proposal to establish the first international sea cargo container terminal on Lake Michigan at the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor.
The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor is the 25th largest U.S. port and handles 25 million tons of cargo annually, generating nearly $17 billion in annual economic impact.