Tank Storage Magazine looks at the highlights and key points from the breakbulk industry’s long-awaited AntwerpXL 2022.
The much-awaited AntwerpXL once again opened its doors on October 4-6 after a tumultuous three years. As Tom Hautekiet, CCO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, says: ‘The world collapsed and so did [breakbulk] businesses. [But], now back on track, let us hope the show brings a successful exhibition for all.’
AntwerpXL 2022 was held at Antwerp Expo in Belgium. The show provides a platform for the breakbulk, roro, heavy lift, and project cargo industry, delivering valuable connections and unforgettable experiences for visitors and exhibitors alike. The second edition of AntwerpXL showcased 150+ exhibitors, from cargo shipping logistics to packaging companies, all aiming to place themselves as a key business in the breakbulk sector.
Over the three days, visitors and exhibitors could engage with each other face-to-face, participating in panel discussions at the Main Deck conference and having the opportunity to look at and try some great products and services. In comparison to the first edition of the show, AntwerpXL 2022 offered more exhibitors, content, and more business opportunities, making it a bigger show with the same focus.
The conference opened with a ribbon cutting led by Hautekiet, alongside Lourda Derry, COO of event organiser, Easyfairs, in an exciting and long-awaited moment. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Hautekiet welcomed both local and international visitors to see why ‘Antwerp is the place of breakbulk.’
THE EXHIBITORS
Exhibitors from across Europe joined the event to showcase their work, businesses, initiatives, and ideas. The hall floor at Antwerp Expo boasted numerous different enterprises centred in the breakbulk industry, from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Deufol, and Sedna to SteelDuxx, MSC, and icapps.
Speaking with exhibitors, many valued being at AntwerpXL and getting the opportunity to finally meet with international partners and visitors in person – especially since the event had been postponed seven times since its first iteration in 2019. The passion for the event was evident, with exhibitors all hosting crowds of visitors, offering drinks and canapes, complete with a unique experience of some impressively designed stands.
THE VISITORS
The arrival of visitors came following the opening ceremony for AntwerpXL 2022. As early visitors explored the show first, the following day welcomed crowds upon crowds all eager to chat with the top businesses in breakbulk.
Visitor companies included large, well-established players such as DHL, as well as newer brands like Flying Whales, a tech company that aims to provide a solution to delivering breakbulk to those difficult-to-reach areas.
PORT TOUR, BUSINESSRUN, AND VIP PROCUREMENT DINNER
4 October opened with an impressive tour of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
This featured views of the shipment and storage of breakbulk, and an insight into the packaging, processing, and storage of industrial freight. The port allowed visitors and exhibitors to meet and witness the historic Port of Antwerp and its breakbulk facilities.
Taking in the sights of Antwerp was not exclusive to the port tour. On 5 October, Albert Pegg, managing director at Atlas Breakbulk Alliances kicked off Antwerp’s 10th BUSINESSrun. Beginning in the old city, participants could choose either a 4km or 9km loop, and were able to connect and network in a way that’s very different from drinks at a bar.
The first day of the show closed with a VIP procurement dinner. Selected visitors and exhibitors were welcomed by music and drinks to a networking dinner. Guests
could enjoy the atmosphere whilst getting the opportunity to chat further with other attendees.
THE SPEAKERS
AntwerpXL also boasted a plethora of different conferences with panels
showcasing great expertise in the sector. The first conference to take place was ‘Forecasting – Managing the needs of breakbulk and project cargo shippers in the current multipurpose shipping market.’ Moderated by Susan Oatway, a senior analyst at Drewry, the conference discussed the impact of the container segment on the market and future potential cargo flows.
Ben Swaelen and Nicolas Van der Wee at icapps discussed the top applications, technologies, and futureproof products that can be applied in the breakbulk sector, including how to work towards digital solutions in a typically analogue industry. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the sector, and the conference in which it was discussed, approached the question of ‘who is willing to pay the cost?’.
THE FUTURE OF BREAKBULK
Other talks covered digitalisation in the sector and continuity in project cargo. The show closed with discussions on artificial intelligence and challenges and opportunities in the breakbulk and cargo sector and its future.
The future of the sector is something that AntwerpXL has been spearheading, not least with its 40 under 40 awards. This scheme aims to recognise emerging talent in the industry, especially amongst younger people. It’s just one way to help encourage and foster young talent in the breakbulk industry, so that innovation can continue to thrive.
INNOVATION ZONE
The exhibition’s innovation zone was an area that showcased some of the emerging businesses in the sector. For example, Unafix is a cloud-based charter party editor and document manager, offering full support for fixture/ recap management, rider terms, and issuing of BIMCO standardised forms. The company’s clever technology helps businesses to collaborate with their team, external partners, and clients, consequently, improving efficiency.
Another innovative exhibitor was PortXL, whose mission is to accelerate innovative technologies for green energy, maritime, logistics, and process in port regions across the world. They describe themselves as: ‘an ecosystem of start- ups, scale-ups, corporate partners and mentors – all change-makers, creative thinkers and problem solvers who work collaboratively to disrupt the status quo.’
This approach supports the company’s central aim of wanting to change the way people think about the maritime industry.
AWARDS
AntwerpXL also presented awards to certain exhibitor stands, recognising them as an accelerator in marketing and environmental, social governance (ESG) processes. The awards included:
‘To stand out in an exhibition, you need to invest. Marketing, stands, sustainability initiatives, and entertainment define a brand and give a unique identity to a company. These awards reward those who have worked to pull in and attract a crowd, whilst maximising their brand visibility,’ says Rikki Bhachu, head of marketing for AntwerpXL.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Many exhibitors used the show as a platform to announce key business changes, innovations, and news. One exhibitor that brought an announcement was De Grave Antverpia, which has now rebranded to DGA Shipping. Together with the appointment of their new CEO, Dirk Verstraeten, and the planned relocation to Atlantic House, the announcement made at AntwerpXL marks a new era for one of Belgium’s largest navigation companies.
SAVE THE DATE
AntwerpXL will be back for its third edition in 2023, with another spectacular programme and exhibitor showcase. The 2023 conference will take place from 28- 30 November. Save the date!
For more information:
www.antwerpxl.com
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