Brussels-Capital Region logistics and multimodal port

Brussels-Capital Region Logistics and Multimodal Port

The Port of Brussels manages a 105-hectare port area in the Brussels-Capital Region, situated along the Antwerp–Brussels–Charleroi Canal, which runs through Brussels for a distance of 14 kilometres.

The Brussels-Capital Logistics and Multimodal Port is responsible for the standard duties of a port operator: it hosts around 200 businesses on its site, operating in various sectors (construction, logistics, petroleum products, etc.).

Brussels is Belgium’s second-largest inland port and enjoys an ideal location at the heart of Europe. It is a seaport accessible 24 hours a day; the journey from the Port of Antwerp takes five hours via a canal that has only two locks between Brussels and Antwerp. The Port of Brussels offers 5.5 km of quays along the waterway that runs through the Brussels region from north to south. The Port of Brussels aims to promote waterway transport (the most environmentally friendly mode of transport), create jobs, combat global warming and improve urban distribution.

A logistics and multimodal port in Central Europe

The Port of Brussels is directly linked to the motorways serving the Netherlands, Germany, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, France and the United Kingdom.

The Northern European rail network – one of the densest in the world – is directly linked to the outer harbour. As for air links, the Brucargo terminal is situated alongside the Antwerp motorway, just a few minutes’ drive from the outer harbour and the TIR Logistics Centre.

The European dimension of the Brussels-Capital Port’s logistics and multimodal hub is reflected in the projects to modernise and develop port infrastructure: expansion of the port area, new logistics warehouses, urban distribution centres, etc.

A European logistics hub

Major European companies have chosen Brussels as the distribution hub for their products across Europe. Brussels’ strengths as a strategic hub are clear: its proximity to the European Union’s decision-making bodies, the efficiency of its passenger transport systems (high-speed rail, a modern airport linked to the city centre, etc.), its multilingualism, and so on. The Port of Brussels is perfectly integrated into this framework. Stretching across the city from north to south, it offers a wide range of facilities, situated in predominantly industrial areas, in the immediate vicinity of the historic centre.

Industrial sites at the Brussels-Capital Logistics and Multimodal Port

Land available at the Brussels Logistics and Multimodal Port: The Port retains ownership of its land and grants concession contracts to its clients, who carry out economic activities within the port area.

With a total of around 200 clients, the Port of Brussels is a major economic player for Brussels. The duration of the concessions granted by the Port varies depending on the concessionaire’s investments and can be as long as 30 to 40 years for clients carrying out activities requiring a high level of investment.

For land situated along the canal, the Port requires its clients to use the waterway for their operations.

• Preferential rates are therefore granted to clients based on the tonnage transported by waterway.
• Conversely, penalties may also be imposed on clients who fail to meet their commitments regarding river transport.

The Port also manages the TIR Logistics Centre, a large warehousing complex situated in the immediate vicinity of the city centre, where the Port can offer its clients flexible and competitive solutions for their warehousing needs.

Why set up your business in Brussels

Setting up your business in Brussels-Capital

Brussels-Capital is an ideal springboard for your expansion across Europe, thanks to a dynamic economic environment that attracts the headquarters of many European companies. Just 1 hour 20 minutes from Paris, and less than 2 hours from Amsterdam and Cologne via the Thalys, Brussels enjoys a central location in Europe, further enhanced by its role as the European capital:

• Very competitive rents, amongst the most attractive in European capitals
• Support for setting up in Brussels: the Brussels Business Welcome Package service allows you to benefit from a workspace and bespoke support free of charge for three months
• Unlimited exemption from social security contributions for the first employee, and a reduction in contributions for the next five employees.