The Port of Ostende (Port Code:BEOST) is situated in Ostend, West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. The port services freight transport between Ostend and Ramsgate, Ipswich and North Killingholme Haven. Passenger transport between Ostend and Ramsgate was provided by Transeuropa Ferries from 1998 to 2013.
As part of the city of Ostend the port was founded in 1584 when the sand dunes were pushed back to create the beginnings of the modern basin. Twenty years later Ostend had been transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a fortified, moated and important Flemish port. Again at the end of the 19th century the port was redeveloped to cope with the larger ships of the period. The City Council, unable to raise sufficient funds for the redevelopment handed control and responsibility for the port over to the Belgian government. The port was damaged in both World Wars (see First and Second Ostend Raid) but soon recovered.
The fishing fleet that operates from Port Oostende has about 65 fishing vessels. In the renewed Flemish Fish Auction, fish is auctioned on a weekly basis. Port Oostende has 5 roll-on roll-off bridges. Trucks and SPMTs (vehicles that are used to move heavy loads) can drive from the ship onto the quay. The roro bridges connect directly to the international road network (E40 - A10). Every year Port Oostende welcomes about ten cruises from the higher market segment. They moor at the special quay that gives direct access to the city centre.