How can a world port contribute to the safe and secure distribution of Covid-19 vaccines worldwide?

The pressure and expectations on the life sciences and healthcare industry for the development and distribution of treatments and vaccines are high. This will push the limits of global logistics chains. As a community builder, Port of Antwerp has united all links in the supply chain to become the first maritime port in the world able to operate under European Good Distribution Practice regulations. The true logistics challenge lies in the equitable distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine to less developed countries. We are convinced that it is our societal responsibility to support organizations such as UNICEF and COVAX to ensure a worldwide access of the vaccine to those most-at-risk.

Pharmaceutical distribution under pressure

Even in challenging times ports have proven to be crucial for the continuity of the global supply chain. Over the course of the current Covid-19 crisis, the societal impact of ports has been undeniably demonstrated. In order to make sure that the port remained 100% operational, we joined forces with the entire port community. Governments, organizations, businesses and citizens are all urged to find solutions and answers to this unprecedented global health crisis that is shaking the world at its core.

In order to cope with this pandemic, all eyes are on the life sciences and healthcare industry for the development of treatments and vaccines, followed by enormous logistical challenges. The pressure and expectations on the pharmaceutical distribution chain are high. Port of Antwerp has been discussing possible answers to the numerous challenges of this immense operation with several partners within the World Economic Forum (WEF). Not in the least to reach less developed countries and ensure access to the vaccine for everyone. In today’s modern society it is our responsibility to search for new ways that result in sustainable value creation. We believe we can make the difference by bringing together great minds, expertise and organizations.

"The pressure and expectations on the pharmaceutical distribution chain are high. Port of Antwerp has been examining possible answers to the numerous challenges of this immense operation with several partners within the World Economic Forum."

First GDP compliant port in the world

One out of every six medicines that are exported from Europe depart from Belgium, with half of them produced in Europe. Although this sector was historically associated with airfreight, we are now experiencing a turnaround. An increasing number of exporters and importers are exploring the possibilities of shipping by reefer container.

For this reason Port of Antwerp decided two years ago to facilitate the shift of interested companies and to become their homeport. We united all links in the logistics chain (shippers, forwarders, carriers, producers, warehouses, container terminals) with the purpose of adopting the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) into the context of the port.

"Port of Antwerp is officially recognized as the first maritime port in the world that is able to operate under European GDP regulations throughout all links in the supply chain, including container terminals."

An important additional pillar “GDP Compliance and Readiness” provides guidelines for deep sea shipments and port logistics regarding temperature sensitive life science and healthcare products. After Brussels Airport became the first GDP compliant airport, Port of Antwerp is officially recognized as the first maritime port in the world that is able to operate under European GDP regulations throughout all links in the supply chain, including container terminals. This preparedness creates opportunities for the enormous challenges we are confronted with today.

Equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines

The distribution of billions of vaccines results in an unparalleled challenge, which will push the limits of logistics chains. This pandemic does not discriminate based on geographical criteria and touches societies all over the world, which implies that logistical solutions must include connections to less developed countries and often those most-at-risk.

This is where the true challenge lies. In light of our strong connections with the African continent, South America and the Indian subcontinent, we believe it is within our possibilities and ambitions to contribute to the equitable distribution of vaccines – including underprivileged societies. Therefore, we commit ourselves to share our expertise, know-how and global network in close collaboration with UNICEF and we support COVAX in their mission to ensure everyone’s access to the vaccine.

"We believe it is within our possibilities and ambitions to contribute to the equitable distribution of vaccines and commit ourselves to sharing the maritime GDP guidelines with other ports."

A successful outcome shall however result from a multimodal approach, as the airfreight capacity might not suffice to assure intercontinental transport. The logistical question is not restricted to the transport of the vaccine itself, but also entails medical equipment needed in order to administer it. Each pallet of vaccines implies one container of medical supplies.

As already stated, a balanced approach and a successful collaboration between governments, industries and businesses is indispensable in order to tackle the worldwide and enduring grip on Covid-19. Therefore, Port of Antwerp is convinced that sharing the maritime GDP guidelines with other ports in the future will be of added value.