8.8% decline in Rotterdam
In the first nine months of 2020, the port of Rotterdam, Europe's biggest sea hub, handled 8.8% less volumes and recorded a total of 322.3 million t (353.480 million t in 2019).
The volume of containers handled in Rotterdam up to and including Q3/2020 was less affected. It fell by 4.7% to 11.4 million teu (114.76 million). Dry bulk showed an 18.6% decline. The 10.4% downturn in the liquid bulk segment was mainly caused by the reduced uptake of crude oil by the refineries that transport this product via Rotterdam.
One of the freight categories hit hardest during the first three quarters of 2020 was ro-ro, due to the decreased transport of people and goods to and from the United Kingdom. The third quarter however showed a strong recovery. (cd)