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

Each port’s contribution to the national economy is estimated on the basis of the analysis of its economic, social and financial situation over the period 2007 - 2012. The three variables concerned in the main developments are value added, employment and investment. This study also highlights the indirect effects in terms of value added and employment. The social balance sheet is briefly summarised in one section. The analysis of the financial results is based on the study of the return on equity, liquidity and solvency ratios and the financial health model developed by the Bank.