Container gateway · Belgium
Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Antwerp-Bruges is a container gateway on the North Sea in Belgium (Northern Europe & Atlantic). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Belgium
- UN/LOCODE
- BEANR
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Northern Europe & Atlantic
- Waters
- North Sea
- Coordinates
- 51.28°N, 4.30°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 12.5 million TEU (2023)
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 8,980 nm
About the port of Antwerp-Bruges
Antwerp-Bruges, formed by the merger of the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge in 2022, is Europe’s second-largest container port and a major chemicals and breakbulk hub, well connected to Belgium, France and Germany.
Antwerp-Bruges is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Antwerp-Bruges handled approximately 12.5 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Asia–North Europe is a core East–West trade lane. Routing via the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope depends on the carrier’s current network and security assessment for the Red Sea.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Antwerp-Bruges | 8,980 | 24–28 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For the European Union, entry summary declarations under the ICS2 system must be filed before loading.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Belgium that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: EVFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Antwerp-Bruges
Where is the port of Antwerp-Bruges?
Antwerp-Bruges is in Belgium, on the North Sea, in the Northern Europe & Atlantic shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Antwerp-Bruges?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Antwerp-Bruges is BEANR. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Antwerp-Bruges?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 8,980 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 24–28 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Antwerp-Bruges?
According to published rankings, Antwerp-Bruges handled approximately 12.5 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Antwerp-Bruges?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Antwerp-Bruges?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Antwerp-Bruges through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.