Eddy Bruyninckx has been raised to the rank of baron by H.M The King of Belgium after 25 years as CEO of the Port of Antwerp.
He was awarded the title for his part in helping the Port of Antwerp defend and develop its solid N° 2 position in Europe and top 15 in the world. The honour was awarded on 21 July, Belgium’s national day.
“Eddy Bruyninckx has performed countless valuable services for the port over the 25 years that he has been in charge,” said Marc van Peel, Port Authority chairman.
He added: “Under his direction the port has developed a very strong performance. This resulted last year in a record freight volume of more than 208m tonnes, and this year the port is on the way to a new record.”
During Baron Bruyninckx’s 25 years as CEO the three foundation on which the port is based have become even more important, maritime transhipment, logistics storage and industrial activities.
He is due to retire at the end of 2016 and will succeeded as CEO of Antwerp Port Authority by Jacques Vandermeiren with effect from 1 January 2017.
Mr van Peel concluded: “In the industrial sector the port landscape has undergone great changes, witness the numerous large investments in the chemical and petrochemical cluster and the strong growth in handling of liquid bulk.”
“In the container sector Antwerp has become the undisputed N° 2 in Europe, with a volume of well over 9m TEU last year. But as CEO Eddy Bruyninckx will give credit first and foremost to the 150,000 people who work directly or indirectly for the Port of Antwerp.”
By Alice Mason