About us

In 1853, DKT’s early days were marked by pioneering shipments, among them the transport of ice blocks across continents, a remarkable start that reflects the spirit of innovation on which the company was built.

DKT over the years established itself as a leading shipping agent, evolving into a chartering and ultimately a fully integrated maritime and logistics company.

While our roots remain firmly in shipping, where we continue to lead, we have expanded across the entire logistic & value chain, covering operational and commercial agency services, chartering and logistics.

Throughout our history, one constant has defined us: partnership. Together with clients, employees, and leading industry players, we have built lasting relationships that continue to drive growth.

Today, our ambition remains unchanged—to keep developing, innovating, and delivering results, together with our partners.

De Keyser Thornton Group

2026

DKT’s chartered vessels are since 2026 managed & operated under the “DKT Chartering Antwerp” flag.

2021

From 01/12/2021, SDK (Sotramar & De Keyser) and DAS Logistics are working under the new name Naxco Belgium.
This merger means Naxco Belgium can position itself as an international end-to-end logistics partner for airfreight and maritime freight.

2014

The DKT-group acquired a majority shareholding in Das Logistics, a forwarder specialised in airfreight, and located on Brussels airport, thus reinforcing the forwarding-leg with a highly skilled specialist in Airfreight.

Also in 2014, De Keyser Thornton joined forces with Allseas Global Logistics in the UK to create DKT Allseas Shipping Ltd (short: DKA). DKA is the exclusive agent in the UK and Ireland for The Shipping Corporation of India.

2008

The DKT-group took over the activities and staff of SBTC-Sotramar, a very renowned Antwerp forwarder, specialised mainly in project cargoes and chemicals. Thanks to this acquisition, we managed to expand our forwarding activities considerably. On this occasion, the forwarding-leg was renamed Sotramar & De Keyser nv.

2006

The DKT-group bought two companies: Unamar and Trimar. Both are Antwerp liner agencies with an excellent reputation. This acquisition allowed us to expand our worldwide coverage of ports.

2000

DKT became a part of the NAXCO Group, one of the largest fully integrated shipping and logistics providers, present in all segments of the transport chain worldwide (read more about Naxco on www.naxco.com).

Thanks to this strategic alliance, we were able to offer quality services not only in all Belgian ports, but also in all ports in France and The Netherlands.

1948

In 1948, the owners of DKT created a forwarding company: De Keyser Expeditions (DKE), allowing them to offer their customers a wider range of transport-related services.

1853

De Keyser Thornton (DKT) was founded in 1853 and is up until today one of the oldest and largest privately owned shipping agencies in Antwerp.