THE Port of Antwerp handled 3.02 million TEU in the first quarter, an increase of 9.5 per cent year on year despite the Europe-wide shutdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

However, Europe's second-busiest port warned that the pandemic was causing disruption to production and supply chains worldwide, and as an international trade centre, Antwerp would inevitably feel the effects, reports IHS Media.

"The impact of the crisis during the first quarter has remained fairly limited, but it will become apparent in the second quarter with cancelled departures, large sectors of industry such as the car industry in western Europe being shut down, and changing patterns of consumer behaviour," Antwerp port said in a statement.

Over the first three months of the year, volumes from Asia dropped by 2.2 per cent, but strong growth was reported from all other regions served by the port.

The coronavirus pandemic is influencing the cargo mix. Antwerp noted there was "a noticeable increase" in the amount of pharmaceuticals and e-commerce goods, and an increasing demand for long-life foodstuffs.

Looking ahead, Antwerp said it was impossible to predict the coronavirus' impact on volume passing through the port, and much would depend on how quickly industry was able to restart, and when consumer confidence returned.

How that recovery will play out is something the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) is concerned about, and the trade body called for the European Union to decide on a recovery strategy.

"In all European ports, it is now really all hands on deck to remain operational and to fulfil their critical and essential role in the supply chain," ESPO secretary general Isabelle Ryckbost said in a statement."The contingency plans are working well. I can say that European ports remain fully operational."

However, it is now important to prepare for what would come after the crisis, Ms Ryckbost noted.

"The port ecosystem is facing serious economic impacts, but ports have proven in the past to be resilient," she said. "In order to catch up quickly once the health crisis is under control, and to play their role as engines of growth in Europe's economic recovery, it is important that ports and the affected businesses in the port are supported when and where needed."