New Member Spotlight: A.F.L.
We are pleased to welcome A.F.L. as one of the newest members of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce. Based in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and part of the Zuidnatie Group, A.F.L. is a freight forwarding and logistics company with more than 25 years of experience in China. Specializing in breakbulk, project cargo, steel logistics and containerized goods, the company provides comprehensive door-to-door solutions connecting China, Europe and beyond.
We sat down with CEO Michael Traute to learn more about A.F.L.’s long-standing presence in China, its expertise in specialized logistics, and why the company sees Antwerp as a key gateway for trade between China and Europe.
1. Could you introduce A.F.L and tell us about the company’s long history and experience in China?
A.F.L. is a freight forwarding and logistics company proudly based in the Port of Antwerp - Bruges. As part of the Zuidnatie Group, A.F.L. has more than 25 years of experience in China and a long-standing track record in international logistics.
The group of companies operates approximately 1 million square metres of terminals and warehouses in the Port of Antwerp and provides comprehensive door-to-door logistics solutions for breakbulk, project cargo, steel cargo and containerised goods. In addition to freight forwarding, A.F.L. offers a wide range of terminal services, including unloading- loading breakbulk vessels, warehousing, CFS activities and steel slitting services at the terminal. We provide door-to-door rail-truck deliveries, chartering coasters and barges to and from European destinations.
A.F.L. has been active in China for more than two decades. Through a strong network of local partners, the company provides the same high level of service to customers shipping goods from China to Europe and from Europe to China. This long-standing presence has given A.F.L. a deep understanding of the Chinese market and the logistics requirements of companies operating between China and Europe.
2. What are the main activities and services A.F.L. provides to clients in China and internationally? What are the company’s key strengths and unique selling points?
A.F.L. specialises in breakbulk, project logistics, steel logistics and RORO shipments. Antwerp is particularly well positioned as a leading European breakbulk port, making it an ideal gateway for large, heavy and specialised cargo. Our stevedoring company Zuidnatie has also been recognised as one of Europe’s leading project cargo terminals and has been awarded as “Best project heavy lift terminal in Europe” during the Heavy Lift Awards in London.
A.F.L.’s expertise in Container Freight Stations (CFS) offers the collection of goods across whole Europe, consolidate them into containers in Antwerp and export them to destinations worldwide, including China. Conversely, we handle containers arriving from around the world, unload and process the cargo in Antwerp, and distribute the individual shipments to end users throughout Europe.
This combination of forwarding, terminal services, warehousing and distribution allows A.F.L. to offer customers a genuine door-to-door solution. Our ability to combine these services under one roof is an important part of our added value.
3. Could you share an example of a challenging project A.F.L has handled, and what you learned from the experience?
A.F.L. serves a diverse customer base, including some of the largest steel producers in both China and Europe, for whom we provide logistics services on an exclusive basis. Working with customers of this scale naturally involves complex and challenging projects, often requiring highly specialised logistics solutions.
While the projects vary considerably in terms of cargo, destination and requirements, our experience has taught us the importance of flexibility, strong communication and a reliable international network. By combining the expertise of our Antwerp operations with our partners in China and elsewhere, we are able to develop tailored solutions even for highly complex shipments.
For us, every challenging project is an opportunity to strengthen our knowledge and further improve the way we support our customers.
4. What are the biggest challenges A.F.L is currently facing?
A.F.L. is currently facing several important challenges, but also sees significant opportunities within them.
One of our priorities is convincing companies in the BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) industry that Antwerp is an excellent gateway for shipping their products into Europe. Many still choose Hamburg because of Germany’s strong reputation and name recognition. However, Antwerp offers significant advantages for this type of specialised cargo, and we see an opportunity to further promote the port as a preferred European entry point. Antwerp port is the nearest port to main European industrial zones in Europe: Germany France, The Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland. As a breakbulk hub we also distribute out from Antwerp steel and project cargo to Baltic states, Scandinavian countries, and Eastern European countries.
More broadly, we want to encourage more Chinese manufacturers and industrial companies to use Antwerp as a gateway to the European market, rather than relying solely on ports that may currently have greater name recognition in China.
Another major challenge is navigating the increasingly complex European regulatory environment. New regulations affecting logistics and the steel industry, including import quotas and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), are having a growing impact on international trade. Helping our customers understand and adapt to these developments will be an increasingly important part of our role .
Finally, A.F.L. is exploring the implementation of artificial intelligence within the company. We see considerable potential for AI to improve efficiency and support our operations, but we want to ensure that this is done in a responsible, secure and fully compliant way.
In changing times, we remain vigilant and safeguard our personalized approach for every client, driven by a passionate, highly experienced team that upholds the right values and standards.
5. Based on your experience, what opportunities do you see today for European companies doing business in China?
For companies in Antwerp and the wider region, we believe there is a significant opportunity to look beyond traditional sectors such as steel. China is producing an increasingly diverse range of products, many of which could enter the European market through Antwerp.
At the same time, we believe the relationship between Europe and China should become more balanced and mutually beneficial. It should not simply be about moving products from China to Europe; there are also opportunities to develop stronger two-way trade and cooperation, with European products and expertise going to China as well.
China has changed significantly during the more than 25 years that A.F.L. has been active in the country. As the Chinese economy and industrial landscape continues to develop, it is important for European companies to identify the industries and products where there are opportunities for both regions.
We see the future as an “and-and” relationship: finding ways for China and Europe to cooperate together, trade with each other and create value on both sides.
6. As a new Chamber member, what do you hope to gain from the Chamber community, and what would you like to contribute to fellow members?
Everything connected to industry is ultimately connected to logistics. For companies involved in international trade, having the right logistics partner and the most strategic gateway into Europe can make a significant difference.
One of the messages we would like to share with fellow Chamber members is that when it comes to breakbulk and project cargo, Antwerp is the best, smartest choice. A.F.L. can support companies with a complete door-to-door service, from handling cargo at the terminal to warehousing, forwarding and final delivery.
While containerised cargo is often routed through the port closest to its destination, breakbulk and project cargo require a different approach. Antwerp has a strong position and specialised infrastructure for these types of shipments, and A.F.L. is proud to represent and promote the Port of Antwerp – Bruges in this field.
As a member of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce, we hope to increase A.F.L.’s visibility within the business community, connect with companies that could benefit from our services, and contribute our knowledge of logistics and international trade. At the same time, we want to help out Antwerp - Bruges even more firmly on the map as a leading gateway for trade between China and Europe. That’s why we promote our services as your missing link in the puzzle of logistics and trade.