The first quarter of 2025 has seen a shift in ports performance in Europe: The Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 3.4 million TEU, registering a year-on-year increase of 4.5% and apparently dethroning the Port of Rotterdam, which recorded 3.3 million TEU, which is an increase of approximately 2.2% compared to the same period the year. This is change in the podium of European ports, however, only refers to containerized cargo. When looking at the broader scope of activities (like its oil cluster), the Port of Rotterdam remains at the top with 436 million vs. 278 million tons in total for Antwerp-Bruges). Whether this is a one-off or the beginning of a trend that might reshuffle podium of European ports, especially looking outside of the North Sea: The cargo throughput of German ports seems to be declining while Mediterranean ports are gaining momentum. To talk about these and shifts in the industry, we are joined by Senior Investments Manager at APM Terminals and vivid ports commentator on LinkedIn, Luuk de Gruijter.

So, let's talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit  https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

TOC Europe 2025 and CSC Live brought the global container supply chain community together for three powerful days of insight, innovation, and connection in Rotterdam. With over 4,500 professionals in attendance, the event tackled everything from economic uncertainty to the cutting-edge technologies transforming cargo movement.

In this special episode, guest host Peter McLeod from the Logistics Business Conversations Podcast sits down with Mateo and Heidi from the TOC Worldwide Editorial team. Together, they reflect on the major themes from the conference sessions, share personal highlights, and provide an exclusive look ahead to TOC Europe 2026.

So, let’s talk about it.

For further information about upcoming TOC Worldwide events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

2025 has turned out to be an eventful year for the international trade scenario. 

Under its new administration, the tariffs imposed by the US to many of its commercial partners seem to be driving the world away from globalisation and moving it towards protectionism and regionalisation. Whether or not this will be a long-term trend that goes beyond Donald Trump's four years at the White House, remains unknown. What is clear for now is that trade is now being driven more by geopolitical factors than economic ones, and as such, stakeholders across the broader maritime supply chain need to bear in mind for their decision-making not just peaks in demand, new shipping trade lanes and transport-related variables, but also how international relations evolve. 

In this episode of the TOC Podcast, John Manners-Bell from Transport Intelligence and James Hookham from the Global Shippers' Forum share their insights on how flows of cargo, supply chains and maritime transport can adapt to an increasingly volatile market. 

So, let's talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

In 2024, the maritime industry grappled with profound uncertainty, as the Houthi attacks disrupted key shipping routes and the threat of renewed tariffs from a potential Trump presidency loomed over North American trade.

Now, with 2025 well underway, we discuss with Paul Gallie, Managing Director at PSL Advisors TOC’s theme for the year ‘Trade, Tariffs & Tensions…How do we move forward?’ reflecting on the uncertainties of 2024 and a look ahead at what the maritime industry can expect in the coming year.

So, let’s talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

Container Shipping is increasingly subject to growing volatility & uncertainties from geopolitical events, economic instability, extreme weather events & cyber-attacks. Therefore, in times of uncertainty, the importance of building resilient supply chains has never been greater.

In this second episode, we will be delving into the ongoing trends and disruptions in maritime trade, their impact on supply chains, and the question on everyone’s mind at the moment: How will Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections affect the industry? To do so, we will be joined by Peter Sand, who works as Chief Analyst at Xeneta.

So, let’s talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

Maritime transport & port activities account for approximately 3% of global GHG emissions, and according to the 2023 UNCTAD’s report on the matter, maritime trade is expected to grow more than 2% between 2024 and 2028. While looking promising for trade, this trend also suggests an increase in GHG emissions. What can port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, cargo owners and other stakeholders within maritime supply chains do to ‘fight back’?

In this first episode, we will be looking at what terminal operators can do, how they can decarbonize their daily operations, work in tandem with their supply chain partners, and the potential business growth opportunities that lay ‘hidden’ within the energy transition. To do so, we will be joined by Bonnie Nixon, PhD, who works as ESG & Sustainability Director at Long Beach Container Terminal in the US.

So, let’s talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html