Antwerp and Rotterdam: one sea, two ports

Abstract

The observation of the growing of the World GDP, the recognition of the World share in trading commerce, the individualization of the “best connected countries” and the picture of the most common “water-roads” of trading, draw the global frame of the directions of the World’s exchanges. By using these and other information, and thanks to the identification of the general steps that brought the ports to what they are today, the paper will focus on the differences and similarities existing between the two most important ports of Europe: the port of Rotterdam and the Port of Antwerp. The analysis will take into consideration available registered data regarding the two entities and try to observe them, evaluate possible benefits or disadvantages for both the port and the surrounded area, and individualize possible strengths and weaknesses of each aspect.