Figures released by the Port of Antwerp show vessel traffic fell more than 15% in 2009.

The number of calls by ocean going ships at the Belgian port was down to 13,921.

There was a similar decline in the volume of freight handled by the port. Statistics showed a 17% year-on-year decline to 158 million metric tonnes (mt).

“These figures are in line with the provisional volumes announced by CEO Eddy Bruyninckx at the end of December,” said a statement from the port.

It means Antwerp saw a sharper rate of decline than Rotterdam, the region's largest maritime hub.

Cargo throughput in the Dutch port was only 8.5% down on 2008.

Bunker sales in Rotterdam were down 6% year-on-year .

There are no official figures for bunker sales in Antwerp in 2009 but some players have told Bunkerworld they could have fallen between 15% and 20% .