30 years of Sealogis Belgium: from a start-up in the port to a trusted name in forwarding

Starting from scratch: the summer of 1995

It all began in the summer of 1995, when Edwig came into contact with the shareholders of the French group Challenge International. They wanted to expand into Belgium, but an acquisition plan fell through.

“That’s when I suggested we simply start from zero,” recalls Edwig.
“Applying for licenses, finding offices, convincing customers, … everything. In September 1995, we officially launched.”

Those first months were true pioneering work.

“I hoped it would move faster than it did,” he laughs. “We were the new kid in town, and that turned out to be tougher than expected. The biggest challenge was finding people willing to help build something that didn’t yet exist.”

After a few years, however, the engine started running. With a few major clients on board and the first employees joining, the DNA of Sealogis began to take shape; specialization in specific verticals such as project cargo and chemicals.

“From the very beginning, we focused on knowledge and courage. We didn’t want to be generalists, we wanted to excel in what we do.”

The growth years: expertise as our compass

Sealogis Belgium’s growth evolved in parallel with that of the Port of Antwerp. What began with four people gradually grew into a team of thirty. Not through acquisitions, but through organic growth and our own resources.

“Our revenue growth has always been self-driven,” Edwig explains. “Of course, we receive strong support from the group, but 75% of what we achieve is generated locally. I’m very proud of that.”

The focus on specific markets, chemicals, project cargo, and agro, remained a constant thread. It’s how Sealogis became a forwarding specialist with true added value, not just an executor of services.
“Many forwarders today provide basic services. We believe that only specialists can survive in an increasingly verticalized supply chain.”

Key milestones

Over the years, Sealogis Belgium has reached several milestones that helped shape the company:

• Joining the WCA network in the early 2000s, as one of the first within the group, enabling international partnerships.
• Expanding the client portfolio in the chemicals and project sectors, fueling exponential growth.
• International projects in Africa, Latin American,India, and beyond, intellectually enriching and economically strengthening.
• Building a strong, diverse team with employees from different countries and fields of expertise.

“The true wealth of Sealogis lies in the people we’ve attracted,” says Edwig. “Some joined us in tough times and stayed out of trust. Others grew alongside the company. Like Katty, our first employee, who has held several roles and remains a key figure to this day.”

He also highlights the collaboration with Bruno Vitali, corporate responsible for the chemical  sector, as an important turning point.

“He’s the bridge between me and corporate management, analytical and business-minded, while I add creativity. We complement each other perfectly, and that has always been one of our strengths.”

The evolution of the forwarding industry

The forwarding world has changed dramatically over the past three decades.

“The sector has become industrialized,” Edwig explains. “IT solutions, compliance, security, sustainability, … everything has become more complex. At the same time, shipping lines have consolidated into large, capital-strong players that increasingly control the entire logistics chain.”

That evolution, he says, has two sides.

“The industry needs to stay alert. Neutrality is crucial. A forwarder must have the freedom to work with multiple carriers.”

Still, one thing hasn’t changed: knowledge remains key.

“Those who truly know what they’re doing, who can connect the dots, they will endure. Knowledge is our greatest asset.”

The Sealogis culture: together, not above

What sets Sealogis apart is its culture: a flat structure, room for initiative, and a strong sense of belonging.

“We stand among our people, not above them. Everyone is encouraged to contribute from intrinsic motivation and take ownership of their work.”

That approach isn’t for everyone, but it’s sustainable. The diversity of activities and the sense of one united team create cohesion, loyalty, and pride.

“We may be a small player within a larger group, but that makes us even more connected. It gives us our unique identity.”

The future: ready for a new challenge

After 30 years, Sealogis Belgium is ready to take on the future.

“We’re standing at the dawn of a new story,” says Edwig with a smile. “Literally and figuratively, a new challenge. The company is moving into a new dimension, but our expertise and values will always remain at the core.”

With a solid foundation, a strong team, and a clear vision for the future, we are ready for the next 30 years.

Thank you

To all employees, clients, and partners, thank you for being part of this story.

Together, we will continue to build on knowledge, trust, and connection.

Here’s to the next 30 years!