In 2023, the port of Ostend achieved its best pre-tax financial results since 1998, according to the annual report announced by the port authority on Thursday.
The port posted its largest taxable profit in 25 years, totalling a pre-tax profit of €2.2 million.
This strong financial performance has aided employment growth. Since 2019, the port has attracted 15 new businesses, 10 of which are currently operational, creating 407 new jobs.
The port hopes to reinvest its profits and aims to generate a further 850 jobs by 2026.
Credit: Belga
The Port of Ostend’s CEO, Dirk Declerck, praised what he called a “fruitful” strategy. He said: “Additional traffic strengthens the port, demonstrating that we have secured our position in the Flemish port landscape.”
Bart Tommelein, the mayor of the coastal resort, stated: “Ostend, as a city, is inseparable from the sea and the port. Therefore, I am thrilled to see that the port’s efforts and investments are paying off. A prosperous port is nothing but positive for our ‘seaside city’.”
