Port Personality of the Year 2024

In October 2023, we had the pleasure of naming Patrick Degryse as the first "Port Personality of the Year" at Port Oostende. This award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Port Oostende.

This year, we are proud to award this prestigious recognition to not just one, but three exceptional individuals from Japanese companies, whose innovative efforts and unwavering dedication have greatly enhanced the port's operations and solidified the bond between Japan and Oostende.

In the presence of President of Port Oostende Charlotte Verkeyn, Minister Oeda of the Embassy of Japan to Belgium and First Secretary Mr. Kawaguchi, Frans Hoorelbeke of Daikin Europe received this honor for his relentless dedication to estuary shipping and for strengthening the ties between Daikin and our port. Additionally, Kristof Buffel and David Bruyndonckx of Toyota Motor Europe were recognized as a duo for their joint contributions to the ongoing collaboration between Port Oostende and the Japanese industry.

Congratulations to these three winners!