Facts

A port can be described as a geographical location, that may extend over many square kilometres. Ports are divided into terminals: depending on its size, a port can have from a couple to several dozen terminals.

A terminal can be described as a set of docks, each with its own purpose. Each terminal of the port is operated by one or more competing private operators, which have obtained a concession or lease to load and unload ships for a certain number of years. These operators are solely responsible for all loading and unloading activities. In contrast, the port authority (often a public entity, but sometimes private) manages the port’s external infrastructure to ensure that goods can easily enter and leave the port on land.

Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg are the biggest ports in Europe. Together they cover an area of about 300 sq.km and reach about 36 million TEU per year. Read more about these ports by clicking on the button below.