Port of Rotterdam Container Traffic Up 9.7 Percent

Cargo through Port of Rotterdam in the first half of the year increased 1 percent year-over-year to 215 million metric tons, as a 9.7 increase in container handling helped offset a decline in oil products shipments.

Throughput of 20-foot container equivalent units at Europe’s largest port rose to 6 million within the same period, while bulk cargo shipment fell 4 percent to 140 million metric tons, the Port of Rotterdam Authority said.

“The Port of Rotterdam's positive development is connected strongly to world trade, especially that related to China and Germany,” said Hans Smits, the authority’s CEO. “ The significant unrest on the financial markets and its influence on the trust of consumers and producers can have a negative influence on world trade and thus on our throughput.”

Smits said he expects “light growth” over the next six months despite the economic uncertainty.

The port’s revenue rose 9 percent to $140.8 million in the first half of the year from the same period a year ago, as it increased industrial area letting and received higher port dues.

The Dutch cargo hub invested $267.3 million in the first half of the year, down 7 percent from the same period a year ago. The port said it expects to spend about $480 million in the second half of the year, which will allow it to finish the year with a 16.9 percent higher investment than in 2010. (JOCsailings)

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