The National Bank of Belgium publishes an annual update of the study on the economic importance of the Flemish maritime ports (Antwerp, Ghent, Ostend and Zeebrugge), the Liège port complex and the port of Brussels.

The contribution of each port to the national economy is estimated on the basis of the analysis of their economic, social and financial situation over the period 2004 - 2009. The three principal variables considered are value added, employment and investment. This study also highlights the indirect effects on value added and employment. An overall social balance sheet is presented for all the ports covered in this publication. Analysis of the financial results involves a study of the return on equity, liquidity and solvency ratios.