ZEEBRUGGE – An estimated 50,000 people visited the Open Harbour days in Zeebrugge this weekend. Ten port businesses opened their doors as part of the centennial celebrations of the port. The naval base also held its annual Navy Days.

Visitors to the Open Harbour days could tour a 13-story car transport ship, a container dock, a fruit juice factory and the ferries that travel to Hull and Rosyth. The gas terminal operated by Fluxys could also be visited by bus.

Zeebrugge wanted to show off the port to the larger public and highlight the port’s importance to area employment. Some 11,000 workers are employed at the port itself.

The naval base at Zeebrugge opens its doors for its Navy Days the second weekend of July each year. Not only the Belgian fleet could be admired, but also ships from Morocco, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and Russia.

[Copyright Expatica News 2007]

Subject: Belgian news