The Port of Antwerp's first quarter throughput increased 7.9 per cent year on year to a record 2.17 million TEU against the 2.01 million TEU handled in the same quarter last year, according to the Shipping Gazette.

Overall, Antwerp handled 47,374,451 tonnes in the first quarter, up 12.7 per cent from a year ago. Total volume, including containers and liquid bulk came to more than in the first quarter of pre-down turn record year of 2008.

"The port of Antwerp has clearly shaken off the recession, even if the volumes of conventional/breakbulk and dry bulk continue to lag," said Antwerp Port Authority CEO Eddy Bruyninckx.