Dunkerque-Port Named Best European Bulk Port In 2015 At The LBJ Awards
27th November 2015
On Monday 16 November, in Antwerp, Belgium, a jury of port operators brought
together by the International Bulk Journal (IBJ) awarded the «Best Dry Bulk
Port» trophy to Dunkerque-Port, in recognition of the outstanding expertise
of Dunkirk, the leading French port in the dry bulk sector. The ceremony was
attended by the famous Belgian tennis professional Klim Clijsters, who won 41
singles tournaments during her career.
Dunkirk is Frances leading dry bulk port, and more than 50% of its annual tra c is in
this sector. It is also home to one of the largest steel works in Europe with the three
blast-furnaces of the ArcelorMittal factory, which recently decided to launch a renovation
programme costing more than 100 M. As well as its exceptional geographic location
at the entrance to the North Europe Range, and just 90 minutes sailing time from
the English Channel shipping lane, Dunkirk regularly berths Capesize ships with a
draught of 18.50m. The Port of Dunkirk intends to develop and promote its
position as a European transhipment hub for heavy bulk cargoes, including e cient
on-forwarding by sea, rail and inland waterway with a large hinterland.
Dunkerque-Port also enjoys a prominent position in grain exports. Thanks to its
excellent access for shipping and the new, recently-installed handling facilities, the
Port of Dunkirk can berth and load the worlds largest grain carriers under very
competitive conditions. Volumes for the 2014/2015 season were particularly high.
The Port of Dunkirk also handles a large number of specialist tra c types such as
sugar, alumina, manganese, coke, cement and clinker, lime, feldspar and sand, to
supply industries in north-eastern France and the surrounding regions.
The IBJ Awards trophy is a mark of true recognition for the professionals of the dry
bulk sector. It was given to Daniel Deschodt, Commercial Director of Dunkerque-Port,
during IBJs gala evening in Antwerp on 16 November.