Cargo throughput at the Port of Rotterdam dropped by 4.1% in the first half of 2025, with declines in dry and liquid bulk volumes offsetting modest gains in container traffic.
The total throughput reached 211.0 million tonnes in the January–June period, down from the previous year, according to figures released by the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Dry bulk volumes fell sharply by 8.9%, while liquid bulk decreased by 5.3%. Containers, however, posted a 2.7% rise in TEU terms, although tonnage slipped by 1.0%.
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, pointed to a mix of economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and subdued industrial investment as key reasons behind the soft performance. “As a port, we must ensure the security of energy and material supply across Europe, even in turbulent times,” Siemons noted.
Container Volumes Rise, But Weight Drops
Container throughput climbed to 7.0 million TEU, fueled by an 8.4% increase in imports from Asia and a 9.1% rise in North American volumes. Despite the increase in units, overall tonnage declined due to a surge in empty export containers and a 5% drop in full exports—reflecting weakened competitiveness in European industry.
Breakbulk volumes rose by 1.3% to 16.0 million tonnes. This includes a 0.9% uptick in RoRo volumes and a 3.0% rise in general cargo, driven by deliveries for offshore wind projects and steel plate shipments.
Bulk Cargo Slump Signals Wider Industrial Weakness
The dry bulk segment took the biggest hit, primarily due to a 21.1% drop in coal throughput and a 12.2% decline in iron ore and scrap. This mirrors slower German steel production and weaker demand from energy-intensive industries. On the positive side, agribulk volumes grew by 18.6%, boosted by higher imports of oilseeds and meal.
In liquid bulk, crude oil throughput rose by 2.6%, thanks to increased flows to German refineries. However, mineral oil products slumped by 21.5% amid a backwardated market and limited arbitrage opportunities. Biodiesel throughput also dipped due to reduced palm oil use and anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese imports.
LNG volumes were up 9.0% as European nations continued to refill gas stocks during summer.
Shore Power, CCS Projects Push Sustainability Forward
Despite economic headwinds, progress continues on port sustainability initiatives. The Porthos CCS project advanced with the completion of the land pipeline and the start of offshore work. A repurposed North Sea gas platform will be used to inject CO₂ for permanent storage by 2026.
Meanwhile, shore power became a reality at the Holland Amerikakade with the launch of Cruise Port Shore Power in March. The system allows cruise ships to plug into electricity rather than run on marine fuel. Rotterdam is now ahead of the EU’s 2030 mandate, with 75% of cruise calls expected to connect in the first year.
Cybersecurity and Defence Readiness Step Up
As geopolitical risks intensify, the port is stepping up both digital and physical security. No critical cyber incidents occurred in the first half of the year, but Port of Rotterdam Authority is investing in robust cybersecurity frameworks. The transformation of the FERM Foundation into a national coordination body for digital security marks a key milestone.
The port is also preparing to support Dutch and NATO defence logistics, with space, mooring, and handling capacity earmarked for military support if needed. Drone activity, increasingly common for both commercial and public functions, is being regulated through a digital airspace management prototype now under test.
Investments Dip Despite Stable Revenues
Revenue rose 5.2% to €462.3 million, driven by higher port dues (+5.4%) and contract income (+3.8%). However, operating expenses increased by €19.4 million due to personnel costs and IT accounting changes. As a result, EBITDA grew only slightly—up 1.1% to €295.0 million.
Net income declined by €4.7 million to €143.6 million. Port investments fell 17% to €136.1 million, reflecting timing delays and the absence of one-off expenditures like nitrogen rights acquisition seen last year.
Political Support Sought to Revive Industrial Investment
The port’s industrial base continues to face structural challenges. High energy costs, grid congestion, and nitrogen regulations are weighing on investment decisions. Although recent Dutch policy changes—including the removal of the plastic levy and the reintroduction of the IKC-ETS subsidy—have helped, the Port Authority is calling for more action.
Without stronger incentives, large-scale industrial players may continue shifting operations to more favorable jurisdictions, threatening the strategic autonomy and job base of the Netherlands.
