The port of Ghent plans to merge with Zeeland Seaports, creating another super port for the low countries

The port of Ghent has plans to merge with the two ports in Zeeland in the Netherlands, which will put the new resulting port into the top 10 in Europe, according to Omroep Zeeland. Sources told the local broadcaster that an official announcement will be made when the Dutch and Flemish governments meet for a summit on Monday.

At present the port of Ghent ranks 47th in Europe for tonnage handled per year, while the two ports in Zeeland – Vlissingen and Terneuzen, known together as Zeeland Seaports – stands in 35th place. Terneuzen is linked to Ghent by a canal (pictured).

The merged entity would fall in eighth place in Europe, said Daan Schalck, director of the port of Ghent. According to Terneuzen mayor Jan Lonink, a basis has already been laid to allow the ports to take a decisive step forwards. “All of the parties are in favour,” he said.

The merger has been studied by the management consultant McKinsey, resulting in a positive opinion. The new port entity would be able to cut costs by joining forces, it said, while carving out an identity for a bio-based economy and added value.

“The ports already co-operate,” commented transport economist Thierry Vanelselander of Antwerp University on Radio 1. “The current CEOs work very well together. Above all, you get the feeling that Flanders and the Netherlands are keen to co-operate. Both sides see the need to do something with these two ports.”

photo: Friedrich Tellberg/Wikimedia