Port of Rotterdam Marks Slight Annual Throughput Increase

The largest seaport in The Netherlands, the Port of Rotterdam, handled 445 million tonnes of cargo in 2014, a 1% increase compared to 2013.

The Port Authority observed that the different market sectors performed quite dissimilarly.

The container sector volumes were up by 5.8%,  and breakbulk volumes increased by 12.1% .

On the other hand, oil products slid the most, decreasing by 8.1% on an annual basis, but the port saw a 4.8% increase in crude oil volumes. Dry bulk volumes fell by 0.7% compared to 2013.

Allard Castelein, Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO, said: ”In 2015 we expect the same growth in throughput as last year: 1%. This year too, the main growth is expected in the container sector. In the coming years, we will nurture the large, existing sectors in the port, whilst also focusing strongly on innovation and broadening the range of activities in the port. We need both for a healthy future.”