The suspect, a man of north African origin, was taken away, Antwerp police chief Serge Muyters said.
Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel praised the city's authorities for doing an "outstanding job".
The attack comes a day after a car was driven at high-speed along London's Westminster Bridge, resulting in the deaths of four people - including the driver - and injuring 40.
It was also the day Belgium marked the first anniversary of the twin bomb attacks in Brussels, that killed 32 people.
Rapid response
Mr Muyters said the car was spotted at around 11:00 local time (10:00 GMT).
"The vehicle was driving at high speed on De Meir. Our army colleagues spotted it and tried to bring the vehicle to a halt," he said.
"But the driver broke free and drove through the red light towards the port quays."
He said the police were contacted and immediately sent a rapid response team, intercepting the vehicle and driver.
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