Broekman Logistics Insights In conversation with… Nathalie Douillez

In conversation with… Nathalie Douillez

Interview

Belgium has long been a logistics powerhouse, connecting businesses to European and global markets with efficiency. With world-class ports, a dense multimodal transport network, and a prime location at the heart of Europe, it plays a crucial role in international trade. But what makes Belgium truly stand out as a logistics hub?

We sat down with Nathalie Douillez, Branch Manager at Broekman Logistics Belgium, to explore the country’s unique strengths and how businesses can benefit from our international freight forwarding and supply chain solutions. Interviews with branch managers of Poland, Czech Republic, Türkiye, China and India will follow in this series.

What makes Belgium a prime location for international freight forwarding and supply chain solutions?

International Freight Forwarding

“Belgium is truly the gateway to Europe. Its strategic location allows goods to reach major European markets—Germany, France, the Netherlands—within 24 hours. That’s a major advantage for businesses that rely on fast and efficient distribution.

But it’s not just location—Belgium’s infrastructure is well developed. We have a dense network of motorways, railways, inland waterways, and deep-sea ports that create a seamless logistics flow. The country has also invested in digitalisation and innovation in logistics, ensuring smooth customs clearance, real-time tracking, and optimised supply chain management.”

Are there specific geographical advantages that make Belgium stand out?

“Absolutely. Belgium’s proximity to major industrial hubs makes it a natural choice for businesses looking to distribute goods efficiently across Europe.

For example, Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s second-largest seaport, is a vital gateway for global trade. It connects directly to over 1,000 ports worldwide and handles nearly 40% of Europe’s chemical cargo. The port’s strong rail and inland waterway connections make it an essential hub for automotive, chemicals, and machinery industries.

Just south of Antwerp, Liège has emerged as a multimodal freight hub, integrating air, rail, road, and inland waterways. Its direct rail connection with China’s Zhengzhou province has strengthened Belgium’s role in Europe-Asia trade. The combination of these ports, plus Belgium’s road and rail links, creates a logistics ecosystem that few other countries can match.”

How does proximity to neighbouring countries enhance Belgium’s logistical appeal?

Multimodal Transport

“Goods arriving in Antwerp can be in Germany’s Ruhr area, France’s industrial zones, or the Netherlands in just a few hours. That kind of speed is invaluable for industries like automotive, chemicals, and consumer goods, where efficient and in some cases just-in-time supply chains are crucial.

The country also benefits from its multimodal transport network:

Road transport: A highly developed motorway system enables fast last-mile delivery.
Rail freight: Dedicated freight corridors link Antwerp to Rotterdam and beyond, providing a reliable alternative to trucking.
Inland waterways: The Albert Canal and Scheldt River offer an efficient, low-emission transport solution for moving goods deep into Europe.”

What role do Belgium’s major ports, such as Antwerp and Zeebrugge, play in global trade?

“Each port has a unique strength. Antwerp-Bruges is a giant in handling chemicals, steel, and containerised cargo, while Zeebrugge specialises in RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) cargo and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Together, they give Belgium a highly versatile logistics footprint.

For example, Antwerp handles nearly 40% of Europe’s chemical shipments. It has dedicated chemical terminals, a vast pipeline network, and deep-sea connections that make it a key hub for industries dealing with hazardous goods. Meanwhile, Zeebrugge is a leader in automotive logistics, handling the import and export of vehicles across Europe and beyond.”

How do Belgium’s road, rail, and inland waterway networks enhance freight forwarding operations?

“Efficiency is everything in logistics, and Belgium’s transport network ensures seamless freight movement. The combination of road, rail, and barge transport allows businesses to make strategic transport choices that optimise cost, speed, and sustainability.

For instance, barge transport along the Albert Canal offers a low-emission alternative to trucking, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions while keeping cargo moving smoothly. Rail freight between Antwerp and Rotterdam provides an energy-efficient option for bulk and container shipments.

Our ability to leverage fast and sustainable connections between Antwerp and Rotterdam means that we can offer end-to-end supply chain solutions with reliability and efficiency. We value long-term partnerships, and continuously reinvent ourselves to serve the future needs of our customers in highly specialised markets.”

How does the growing focus on sustainability align with Belgium’s logistics strategies?

Sustainability

“Sustainability in logistics isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about smart routing, optimising load capacity, and choosing the right transport mode. By integrating road, rail, and inland waterways, businesses can cut costs and lower their carbon footprint without sacrificing speed.

For example, our customers in the industrial, chemicals, and machinery sectors are increasingly looking for sustainable logistics solutions. By combining different transport modes, we help them build more sustainable, resilient supply chains.”