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DUNKERQUE-PORT NAMED BEST EUROPEAN BULK PORT IN 2015 AT THE IBJ AWARDS
25th november 2015

DUNKERQUE-PORT NAMED BEST EUROPEAN BULK PORT IN 2015 AT THE IBJ AWARDS

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 France’s leading dry bulk port, and more than 50% of its annual traffic 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 efficient 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 world’s 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 traffic 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 IBJ’s gala evening in Antwerp on 16 November.

Attached file
DUNKERQUE-PORT NAMED BEST EUROPEAN BULK PORT IN 2015 AT THE IBJ AWARDS - PDF (1.04 Mb)
Contact
Marie-Elizabeth BOGUCKI
Phone: +33 (0)3 28 28 79 11
Mobile: +33 (0)6 07 13 33 42
Email: mebogucki@portdedunkerque.fr