Port of Ghent new base to Ireland after Brexit

The reworking of the trans-European transport network in the light of Brexit means good news for the Port of Ghent (North Sea Port). For the Port of Ghent, the disappearance of the British ports from the internal market can be an opportunity to attract more traffic. Thanks to MEPs Anneleen Van Bossuyt and Mark Demesmaeker, the Port of Ghent will be included in the trans-European transport network, as a result of which it has more chance of subsidies. “The Port of Ghent holds all the aces to organise additional goods transport from and to Ireland and to develop the sea connection with Ireland,” says Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

British isolation

The upcoming Brexit has far-reaching consequences for European shipping traffic. Irish ports which had a direct link with the British ports are in danger of being isolated. For this reason, the European Parliament, while awaiting a possible agreement, is reworking the trans-European transport network. And there is good news for the Port of Ghent.

More traffic

The European transport network connects various European ports with each other. By being a member of this select club, a port has more chance of getting European subsidies for major activities. That is now also the case for the Port of Ghent, thanks to an amendment by Anneleen Van Bossuyt and Mark Demesmaeker. For Ghent, the disappearance of the British ports from the internal market can be an opportunity to attract more traffic. For the Flemish economy, that is a welcome boost.

A boat we must not miss

“The Port of Ghent holds all the aces to organise additional goods transport from and to Ireland and to develop the sea connection with Ireland. In addition, in the coming two years, budget priority will be given to investments in machinery and infrastructure for the security of and the checks at the external borders. That’s a boat we must not miss. So it is a good thing that Ghent is now entering the picture in this respect,” says Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Flemish ports

Mark Demesmaeker is a member of the Committee on Transport, and he shares the views of his colleague Anneleen Van Bossuyt. “It is hard to predict how the trade flows between the British Isles and Europe will take place. The United Kingdom was part of the European internal market for 45 years. That can’t just be erased overnight. Ireland will have to adapt to the new reality. The Flemish sea ports have historically always been crucial for the trade with Great Britain and Ireland. We must do everything we can to ensure that this remains the case.”