WeBarge, a subsidiary of Van Moer Logistics and Manuport Logistics, has reached a principled agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in PortConnect. As part of the transaction, Port of Antwerp-Bruges (59%) and Group De Cloedt (41%) will sell their shares to the Antwerp-based inland shipping operator. The parties aim to finalize the transaction in the coming weeks. After the transaction, Group De Cloedt will acquire a minority stake in WeBarge. Port of Antwerp-Bruges will remain on the board of directors of PortConnect, among other things, to continue ensuring interconnectivity between Zeebrugge and Antwerp.
Thanks to a daily estuary shipping service, PortConnect connects the Belgian and Dutch coastal ports with the Belgian hinterland. To ensure the future of this estuary service between Antwerp and Zeebrugge, PortConnect benefits from shareholders who can offer cargo and service reliability. With WeBarge, both of these are guaranteed.
William Demoor, Chief Customer Relations Officer at Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “We are pleased that WeBarge is becoming a shareholder in PortConnect and thus reinforcing the growth of multimodal transport. With the involvement of a local logistics leader, we are confident in a flourishing future for PortConnect, which is the best guarantee for a smooth, market-compliant, and reliable estuary connection between Zeebrugge and Antwerp.”
Olivier De Smedt, CEO of WeBarge, frames the participation in his sustainability strategy: “WeBarge places a strong focus on sustainability within its port operations. By participating in PortConnect, we not only strengthen our position in the region, but also contribute to a more efficient and environmentally friendly transport network.”
