The discussion mainly revolved around port infrastructure as public good, the major economic importance of ports and the feasibility of PPP structures in ports. The port customer side was represented by the directors of International Car Operators (ICO), a major car terminal operator and Sea- Invest, a large Belgian group specialized in the handling of dry bulk, oil products and fruit. Marc Adriansens of ICO referred to the investment strategy of mother company NYK Group. Bart laureys of Sea-Invest considers it important that the port is a good partner. The LNG bunkering issue also received attention during the event. Representatives from Fluxys and GDF Suez pointed out there is still need for a substantial increase in investment in LNG bunkering facilities. Another highlight of the day was a panel debate with Eddy Bruyninckx (CEO, Port of Antwerp), Joachim Coens (CEO, Port of Zeebrugge) and Peter Mortier (Adjunct Director-General, Port of Ghent) on the challenges facing the three major Flemish ports in terms of investment (Photo: left to right – Theo Notteboom (moderator), Joachim Coens, Peter Mortier, Eddy Bruyninckx). The panel discussion particularly focused on key investment projects, the public good issue and the role of the Flemish government.
