INTERVIEW WITH YAVUZ BASKAN, CEO OF ANTWERP GLOBAL SHIPPING
- barboraarendasova
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Yavuz Baskan
Yavuz Baskan is a seasoned logistics professional from Antwerp with roots in the maritime industry dating back to 1997. After gaining experience in warehouse operations and shipping lines, he moved into freight forwarding and eventually founded Antwerp Global Shipping NV, turning his industry knowledge into a trusted logistics company. In 2025, he also became President of Ubique Freight & Groupage b.v. in Rotterdam. Yavuz is known for his hands-on approach, strong partnerships, and commitment to delivering reliable service.
To begin, could you tell us a bit about your story with logistics and how your Belgian operation emerged?
My background in logistics spans multiple areas of the supply chain, from operational management to network development. This experience naturally led to the establishment of our Belgian operation. Belgium’s strategic location and strong infrastructure made it the ideal place to strengthen our European network. What began as a focused setup has evolved into a key regional hub, supporting faster and more reliable service for our customers across Europe.
AGS is located in Antwerp, which is often described as ‘the gateway to Europe’ for freight and shipping. How does this geographic position influence your strategy and value proposition?
Antwerp’s position as a major European gateway is central to our strategy. Being close to one of Europe’s largest ports and key transport corridors allows us to shorten lead times, optimize multimodal connections, and offer greater reliability. This geographic advantage reinforces our value proposition by enabling faster access to European markets and more efficient, cost-effective supply chain solutions.
From your experience, what are the main competitive advantages of Belgian/Antwerp-based forwarders compared with other European ocean freight hubs?
Belgian and Antwerp-based forwarders benefit from several structural advantages. Antwerp combines a world-class port with dense multimodal connectivity, sea, barge, rail, and road, enabling flexible routing and fast turnaround. The market also offers strong logistics expertise, a customer-centric service culture, and the ability to handle complex or value-added operations. Together, these factors create agility and reliability that are hard to match in other European hubs.
How does AGS Belgium manage or guarantee service reliability through the port of Antwerp, given current supply-chain pressures?
At AGS, we ensure reliability through proactive planning, multimodal flexibility, and real-time shipment visibility. Strong partnerships with terminals and carriers help us navigate congestion and inland bottlenecks efficiently, keeping cargo moving and clients informed.
Could you share a success story of a recent shipment or logistics project that AGS Belgium handled particularly well?
One project that stands out involved moving large, high-value drilling components from Antwerp to a refinery in the Middle East, all under a tight deadline. Given the cargo’s size and sensitivity, along with port congestion, it was a true test of coordination. Our team worked closely with the terminal, secured heavy-lift equipment, and arranged a specialized vessel charter within days. We also coordinated inland transport and customs clearance upfront to avoid delays. In the end, the shipment arrived safely and ahead of schedule. It showcased how AGS Belgium combines technical expertise, strong local partnerships, and global reach to manage even the most complex oil and gas projects.
When selecting new business partners, what criteria does AGS Belgium prioritise most?
We focus on reliability and performance, ensuring partners consistently deliver on time and meet service standards. Expertise and capability are also crucial, especially in handling complex or multimodal shipments and adapting to evolving logistics challenges. Equally important is alignment and collaboration, including cultural fit, transparency, and a shared commitment to customer service and continuous improvement.
How does AGS Belgium maintain quality service and trust when working with partners outside Europe?
We maintain quality and trust through careful vetting, clear communication, real-time tracking, and regular performance reviews. This ensures consistent and reliable service for our clients worldwide.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the Belgian forwarding and port market, and how do you expect these to evolve over the next year?
The major challenges include port congestion, inland transport bottlenecks, and capacity fluctuations. Infrastructure improvements may ease some pressure in the coming year, but market volatility is likely to continue. Our strategy is to remain flexible, multimodal, and proactive to maintain reliable service for our clients.
In your view, what role do forwarding networks play in international business development?
Forwarding networks offer global reach, local expertise, and dependable service. They help companies expand internationally with reduced risk, faster transit times, and more efficient access to new markets.
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Antwerp — Europe’s premier logistics gateway — Antwerp Global Shipping (AGS) is a service-driven freight forwarder delivering tailor-made logistics solutions worldwide. Over the years, AGS has grown into a trusted global partner, combining expertise, flexibility, and innovation to support clients across industries. Recognized as a next-generation forwarder, AGS offers end-to-end logistics services with precision and care, covering project and breakbulk cargo, airfreight and air charter, sea freight, multimodal transport, and warehousing with smart, sustainable handling solutions.
