This week, Georges-Louis Bouchez was back in Antwerp. He visited Exmar, a Belgian shipping company that transports gas and ammonia worldwide. It is a flagship of our industry.
The MR President was warmly welcomed by Nicolas Saverys (Chairman) and his son Carl-Antoine (CEO). They guided him through the company's rich history. In 1829, the family business began building ships and later grew into an owner of large transport vessels and a provider of floating energy infrastructure. During the energy crisis, Exmar was able to further establish itself on the world map thanks to its innovative solutions and adaptability. The Belgian company has unique expertise that can help our country and Europe always have access to affordable energy.
Mr Bouchez gave a presentation to Exmar staff. “Europe must become as energy-independent as possible to retain a strategic role internationally. But that is not enough. In three other sectors, we must also make sure we can hold our own: industry, agriculture and defence.” He then had a discussion with the employees, who asked him many questions.
Here is some information provided by Exmar:
- Transporting goods by ship is 70 times more efficient than air transport and twice as efficient as rail transport.
- With its 45 medium-sized LPG carriers, Exmar is the market leader in its segment.
- Ammonia is the basis for fertiliser production. Without it, it would be impossible to feed nearly 4 of the world's 8 billion inhabitants.
- 80% of global energy consumption comes from fossil fuels.
- 940 million people, or 13% of the world's population, still lack access to electricity.
- 50% of the increase in CO2 emissions is attributable to China and India.
- The world could achieve its climate goals if all coal-fired power plants were replaced with gas-fired power plants.
- Belgium has unique expertise in nuclear energy. Exmar is already thinking about floating nuclear power plants.
- 90% of all goods worldwide are transported by ship.