Throughput declines in Rotterdam
In the first nine months of 2023, the Port of Rotterdam experienced a 6% decrease in throughput compared to the same period in 2022. Dry bulk declined by 11.9%, and coal throughput fell significantly due to reduced demand from power plants.
Liquid bulk saw a 2.4% drop, and the container segment experienced a decline of 8.1% in weight and 7.2% in the number of containers in the first nine months.
Roll-on/roll-off traffic and other general cargo also fell, contributing to a 6.0% decrease in the breakbulk segment’s throughput. However, throughput of iron ore, agricultural bulk, and LNG increased.
The global economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions were cited as factors contributing to the decline in world trade volumes and industrial production. Despite lower throughput, the Port of Rotterdam remains committed to investing in a climate-neutral port, with the CO2 transport and storage project, “Porthos”, reaching an important milestone. (pb)