Our partnership with the University of Antwerp to strengthen the maritime sector

Thanks to the chair in Transport, Logistics and Ports, research advances are directly translated into solutions tailored to current economic realities.

Understanding the geopolitical storm

The maritime sector is at the forefront of global change. “We live in a world of highly interconnected supply chains,” explains Professor Christa Sys, holder of the chair. “Raw materials, energy dependency and logistical bottlenecks have become major risk factors under the impact of geopolitical tensions. The question is no longer whether turbulence will occur, but how we will withstand it when the storm hits.”

For BNP Paribas Fortis, academic expertise is a necessity, not a luxury, when it comes to refining its advisory services. Koen Ceyssens, Director Ports Practice at BNP Paribas Fortis, emphasises the importance of this collaboration: 'The work of the chair helps us to make well-informed decisions when selecting the projects we finance. In a world where sustainability and digital resilience are redefining standards, their analyses enable us to identify far more precisely where the real opportunities lie.”

Innovation Cafés: where research meets business

Our chair is not limited to a theoretical exercise; it reflects a genuine culture of exchange. Among its key tools are the Port Co. Innovation Cafés. During these sessions, Christa Sys shares the latest research developments on port innovation or sustainability (the essential transition towards a port that balances economic growth with environmental impact reduction), while we bring our economic insights.

“We gain a clearer understanding of our clients’ needs by positioning ourselves at the heart of the maritime chain – this network of shipowners, logistics players and port infrastructures – to engage directly with them,” explains Koen Ceyssens. “Through the Innovation Cafés, we facilitate this exchange: companies present their real-world challenges, the chair provides scientific insight and highlights the interconnections within complex data. On this basis, as a bank, we can offer financial solutions that are fully aligned.”

Setting the course for the future: knowledge as a competitive advantage

The maritime sector is a vital engine of our economy, but it must constantly adapt to a changing global order. Although the sector itself is at the helm, the chair and BNP Paribas Fortis play a pivotal role as a strategic compass. Where size once held the advantage, it is now the sharing of knowledge and the development of networks that make the difference. The chair acts as a catalyst, conducting research that goes beyond the technical aspects of transport to provide essential insights into the resilience of the entire logistics chain.

Christa Sys highlights a clear trend: 'Success in the maritime sector depends on the ability to quickly turn challenges into opportunities. This requires innovation driven by the entire community, from shipping companies[OT2.1][OT2.2] and terminal operators to industrial players and financial partners.'

Conclusion

The maritime sector is a vital driver of our economy, but one that requires constant adjustment. Our collaboration with the University of Antwerp demonstrates the importance of the relationship between science and banking for a resilient future. By sharing knowledge and working together to find solutions, we can offer you more than just financing: we can also provide the guidance you need to navigate towards new opportunities, even in challenging conditions.

5 tips for your maritime and logistics strategy

1. Strengthen your resilience: in a world marked by geopolitical shocks, adaptability is your greatest asset. Analyse your supply chain not only in terms of efficiency, but also in terms of its resilience to risk.
2. Leverage synergies: tomorrow’s success depends on collaboration. Use platforms to share knowledge and develop cross-sector solutions.
3. Make data and innovation your compass: combine data, academic insights and forward-looking research to support your investment decisions and anchor them in the future. Knowledge is the only resource that grows when shared.
4. Choose informed financing: work with a banking partner that truly understands your sector. We translate our maritime expertise into credit solutions that support your long-term growth.
5. Drive sustainable transformation: improving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is now an imperative for the maritime sector. Leverage our chair’s expertise to achieve this.

Would you like to explore how our chair’s insights can strengthen your maritime operations?

Contact your relationship manager at BNP Paribas Fortis to learn more about our innovative projects within the port ecosystem. Our experts are ready to help you chart the course towards new opportunities, even in uncertain waters.

Find out more about the chair