As Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrive in Mumbai with their entourage, there are tips that our authorities at Mumbai Port and Nhava Sheva Port can seek from the authorities at Port of Antwerp, which is Europe's second-largest port in terms of volumes, to see what can be achieved if the focus is right.
It can be argued that Antwerp is helped by the fact that it's in Europe, has centuries-old shipping lines and trade houses, an excellent road and rail connectivity to central European countries, and therefore is an extremely attractive proposition for transporters vis-à-vis Indian ports.
It is therefore interesting to note that just as we in India rue the bureaucratic red tape, things aren't as rosy at the Port of Antwerp, which despite being a sort of an autonomous body, is not totally bereft of government interventions.
The post of the chairman of the Board of directors is held by the port alderman who is elected from among the people. The Board of directors at Port of Antwerp consists of city councillors (at least 10 of the 18 members) and they must have representation from all the political parties in the city council. In India, this could bring in total blockade. But what helps Port of Antwerp is that at least 1.5 lakh people are directly or indirectly dependent for employment on the port, which is a staggering number considering the city population is just over five lakh. Also, the port must contribute 20% of its revenue to the city council. The members therefore know that it is important for the port to flourish if the city and its residents are to be benefitted who will, in turn, elect them back to the council.
The port also adopts a unique approach while leasing land for terminals – instead of awarding lease to the highest bidder promising revenue, priority is given to entities that promise maximum job opportunities and best utilisation of resources.
Political stranglehold is also a tricky part, since the port is heavily dependent on the city council for various permissions, especially when it comes to expansion. Over the centuries, the port has outgrown the city's manifold in terms of area and has also swallowed a few villages in its wake. And yet, a handful of them have protected their existence within the engulfing terminals. Why, it also has one heritage fort inside!
It is not that Antwerp doesn't have competition-- Europe's largest port at Rotterdam, is just about 100 km away and boasts equally robust (probably even better) infrastructure than Antwerp. Other ports like Ghent too aren't far off. And yet, Port of Antwerp makes best utilisation of available resources. It has a lot that could have gone against it and yet it also has a lot that it has turned into its advantage. For instance, it is simply astonishing that Antwerp has managed terrific volumes despite being a river port. It's about 80 km inland from the main seas and therefore ships must change at least three pilots as they enter the port. But it also ensures ships are protected from extreme winds that could affect a typical sea port. It also gives Antwerp a headway in terms of deeper reach into the mainland.
So can India benefit from what Port of Antwerp has achieved?
"Sure. I am bullish about India. I believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing some very good work in terms of vision and from what we see, things are moving on the ground level. His Make In India programme can benefit manufacturers, exporters and importers at various levels," says chairman of the Port of Antwerp Marc Van Peel.
ANTWERP IN NUMBERS
- 2nd largest container port in Europe, 15th in the world
- 214 million tonne of cargo handled in 2017
- Largest port in the world for the storage of coffee
- Container transport: 56% by road, 38% barges, 6% rail
The writer is resident editor of DNA Mumbai. His visit to Antwerp was hosted by Port of Antwerp
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