Represents and supports Zeebrugge’s port businesses.
APZI and Voka – Chamber of Commerce West Flanders unite the companies operating in the Port of Zeebrugge. Together, we advocate for the interests of port businesses at the local, regional, national, and international levels, with the goal of supporting and promoting the port’s continued development.
The first form of collaboration began in 2014 with the establishment of the ‘Port Cell West Flanders’, which focused primarily on joint advocacy efforts.
Several years later, in April 2019, both organizations further integrated their activities related to the Port of Zeebrugge through the formation of the alliance
‘Apzi – Voka West Flanders’.
Since then, our cooperation has expanded beyond advocacy to include a shared range of services specifically tailored to the Zeebrugge port business community.
Every year, we organize a curated selection of valuable training sessions, informative seminars, and meaningful networking events; always designed to help you discover, learn, connect… and grow
In January 2021, we took a new step in the Apzi – Voka West Flanders alliance by transitioning to a single, integrated membership model. As a result, port companies in West Flanders are now members of both APZI and Voka West Flanders.
Advocate
We influence policy and put key issues on the agenda; locally, regionally in Flanders, at the federal level, and internationally, this to ensure that port businesses have a strong voice where it matters.
Trendwatcher
Fundamental trends or fleeting hypes in the maritime world? We help you distinguish between them, so you stay one step ahead. Companies in our port community benefit from early access to the latest insights.
Knowledge Partner & Service Provider
We support you as an entrepreneur, and your entrepreneurial employees, with answers and solutions tailored to your needs. You’ll find the know-how you need to realize your growth ambitions. We also offer maritime training courses designed specifically for your company.
Growth Enabler & Matchmaker
You’ll gain access to a wide network of export-oriented companies. Our events and networking opportunities help broaden your perspective and connect you with potential partners. We’re here to support your international ambitions.
The Benefits of Joining Apzi-Voka
Together, we currently represent 320 port-related companies in dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders. We actively advocate for a business-friendly environment that supports the continued growth of port companies in Zeebrugge.
The Ten-Point Plan
Apzi – Voka West Flanders is actively working on a range of key policy issues that matter to port businesses in Zeebrugge.
1. Labor Market Shortages
Labor shortages are a pressing concern for the Zeebrugge port community. Solutions must come from activating the inactive workforce, encouraging lifelong learning, and enabling targeted economic labor migration.
Apzi – Voka West Flanders, together with its partners, is therefore launching a new port promotion campaign to attract jobseekers and interested candidates to career opportunities in the Port of Zeebrugge. This initiative led to the launch of an online job platform www.havenjobs.com.
2. Start of Construction – New Visart Lock
In February 2022, a special hearing was held in the Flemish Parliament regarding the new Visart Lock in the Port of Zeebrugge. Apzi – Voka West Flanders was one of the speakers sounding the alarm, following the announcement of a major delay in the project just a few months earlier. At the request of the business community, the government's approach was revised, and political parties aligned their positions. A definitive and irreversible decision is now expected before the end of this legislative term.
Apzi – Voka welcomes this commitment from the Flemish Government but urges that actual construction works begin as soon as possible.
3. Investments in the Port of Zeebrugge
Apzi – Voka West Flanders is calling for clear guarantees from Port of Antwerp-Bruges regarding infrastructure investments in the Port of Zeebrugge. Although port dues in Zeebrugge have been increased, Apzi-Voka has yet to see a corresponding rise in investment budgets for local infrastructure or services.
For Apzi-Voka, it is essential that significant budgets continue to be allocated to the Zeebrugge platform in the coming years. According to the 2023 financial plan of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a total investment of €304.91 million is foreseen, of which €43.41 million is allocated to projects in Zeebrugge; with the intention to further increase the Zeebrugge platform investment next year.
4. Inland and Estuary Shipping
For Apzi-Voka, the "wet" hinterland connectivity of Zeebrugge must remain a both-and story, in which both inland shipping and estuary navigation play essential roles. In addition to estuary vessels, inland barges of up to 2,500 tonnes must continue to have access to the Port of Zeebrugge. After years of advocacy, a breakthrough has finally been achieved regarding estuary shipping: the legal obstacles previously raised by the Netherlands have been removed, allowing more cargo to be transported from Zeebrugge by sea and via the Western Scheldt to the hinterland.
However, since this agreement only addresses the legal barriers, Apzi – Voka West Flanders considers it insufficient. The technical requirements that estuary vessels must meet still need to be significantly relaxed.
5. Hinterland Connectivity via Rail and Motorways
To shift more cargo from the port to the hinterland by rail, additional investments in rail infrastructure are essential. On the one hand, the connection toward northern France needs improvement; on the other, the rail link between Zeebrugge and Antwerp requires urgent upgrades..
The motorway network also demands further investment. The E403 has now reached its capacity limits, making it necessary to add a third lane between Roeselare and Bruges in both directions. In addition, the transformation of the E34/N49, with its many dangerous intersections, into a fully-fledged motorway must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
6. Dock Labour
Zeebrugge currently has 2,282 registered dock workers. Including occasional dock workers and logistics personnel, that number rises to 2,933. These workers form an essential link in daily port operations.
Although legislation on dock labour is a federal matter, local rules and regulations (codex) also apply. Therefore, the specific arrangements and working conditions in Zeebrugge must be preserved.
7. Maritime Pilots
The Flemish maritime pilot corps consists of just under 300 pilots, including approximately 37 coastal pilots. By 2027, around 70 are expected to retire or leave the profession, nearly one-quarter of the total workforce.
Zeebrugge is already experiencing a shortage of pilots, particularly coastal pilots, many of whom are approaching retirement. With limited new recruitment and training taking up to seven years for pilots to qualify for the largest vessels, the shortage in Zeebrugge is expected to worsen in the years ahead.
8. Sustainability
As a green energy hub, Zeebrugge plays a key role in sustainability. The port area is home to numerous wind turbines that supply electricity to terminals, ships, and nearby residents. In addition, there is a strong focus on hydrogen development. Hyoffwind, a joint venture between Fluxys and Virya Energy, is currently building a hydrogen production plant in the Port of Zeebrugge.
However, further investment is needed in shore power infrastructure for seagoing vessels. Moreover, the permitting process must become faster and more efficient to support the port’s sustainability ambitions.
9. Coastal Protection and Its Impact on the Port of Zeebrugge
Through its Coastal Vision research project, the Flemish government is examining how to protect the coastline in the long term against rising sea levels and flooding; potentially up to 1, 2, or even 3 meters.
Looking ahead, it is already essential to consider a potential offshore expansion of the Port of Zeebrugge. This must be included in the current research and planning process.
10. Land Use in the Port Area
To enable continued growth of port businesses in the future, sufficient space must be made available. While companies are willing to pursue efficiency gains where possible, the Transport Zone is currently overcrowded and the Maritime Logistics Zone is actively developing. It is therefore crucial that the Dudzeelse Polder area remains within the designated port zone.
In the short term, a major quick win can be achieved by relocating or removing the massive sand stockpiles, totaling more than 2 million cubic meters, that are currently occupying valuable port land.