Image:Port of Rotterdam
The Port of Rotterdam experienced a slight overall decline in throughput for the first three quarters of 2024, with a drop of 0.4% compared to the same period in 2023. Total throughput reached 328.6 million tonnes, down from 329.9 million tonnes last year. Despite this, container throughput showed notable growth, offering a silver lining to the port’s performance.
Container throughput increased by 3.0% in terms of weight and 2.2% in containers (TEUs), reflecting a recovery in global trade and consumer confidence. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, highlighted this positive trend, noting that “consumer confidence has increased and this translated to a growth in container throughput.” However, Siemons also acknowledged the challenges, citing high energy costs as a continued burden on European industry, particularly in sectors outside of container shipping.
While containers rose, dry bulk and liquid bulk sectors struggled. Dry bulk throughput fell by 0.9%, though iron ore and scrap saw a strong 11.1% increase. Coal throughput took the hardest hit, declining 26.6% in Q3 alone, as coal-fired power plants continue to lose ground to renewable energy sources. Liquid bulk also dropped by 1.7%, with crude oil, LNG, and other liquid products all experiencing declines.
The rise in container volumes can be attributed to a rebound in European consumer spending. After a period of lower purchasing power, spending levels have risen, helping restock inventories depleted by the pandemic. Despite this, the export of finished goods remains sluggish due to ongoing supply chain disruptions. Uncertainties around shipping routes and vessel capacity have also led to fluctuations in container movements.
Conversely, the breakbulk segment saw a 4.7% drop in throughput. Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic fell by 3.5%, impacted by the economic challenges in the UK, while other breakbulk, including steel and non-ferrous metals, declined by 9.5%.
Overall, the Port of Rotterdam’s container sector stands as a strong performer amid weaker results in other segments. The port faces an ongoing balancing act, as geopolitical tensions and energy costs continue to shape global trade and industrial output.
