A little about our history

Brussels was born at the water's edge, over a millennium ago.

 

The seaport of Brussels has been in existence now for a century. The regional Port de Bruxelles company came into being in 1993.

Since the Middle Ages, it has been a major crossroads for trade and commerce, and not just for seafaring.  It was also here that, in 1835, was inaugurated continental Europe's first railroad link. Since then, it has naturally become a centre for multimodal transport.

This today is a major asset for the port of Brussels. By associating the activities of the waterway and those of a TIR centre (and its vast complex of warehousing facilities) with a direct link to the Brussels high-speed road network, it is indeed a hub in every sense of the word.  As such, it plays a crucial role as a centre for the supply and redistribution of goods into its hinterland and beyond.

Given their history and location, both the city of Brussels and its port are vital to the economy of Belgium. The Brussels region is highly diversified.

Within its various industrial perimeters, the port is a key component, particularly as regards employment. With over 350 businesses based in or around the harbour, it generates some 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.