In the first half of 2011, 215 million tonnes of cargo were handled in the Port of Rotterdam, 1% more than in the first half of 2010. Incoming cargo increased by 2% to 153 million tonnes, and outgoing cargo decreased by 1% to 61 million tonnes. The Port of Rotterdam Authority result increased by € 8 million to € 98 million (9%), compared to 2010.
The throughput of bulk cargo fell by 4% to 140 million tonnes. General cargo came out 12% higher at 75 million tonnes. Throughput of iron ore and scrap metal (-7%), crude oil (-8%) and mineral oil products (-9%) decreased. The other cargo categories were in the black: agribulk (+26%), coal (+6%), other dry bulk (+21%), other liquid bulk (+1%), roll on/roll off (+6%), other general cargo (+28%) and containers (+12%). In numbers, container throughput increased by 10% to 6 million TEU (20 foot equivalent units).
New Cargo Category
Hans Smits, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority: ‘On the whole, throughput has maintained the high level of 2010. This also applies to investments from both the Port of Rotterdam Authority and companies. The growth in total throughput was hindered mainly by the loss in handling of oil products, which was very strong in the first quarter of 2010. Maintenance work to refineries was also relatively high. The 7 million tonnes decrease in the oil sector was almost entirely compensated by the more than double digit growth of containers. Just in the first half year, for the first time in decades, an entirely new cargo category was conveyed. LNG will not only contribute to transfers but especially to the structural strengthening of the industrial sector in the port and in the strategic energy position of the Netherlands and Western Europe.’
Outlook Hans Smits
‘The Port of Rotterdam’s positive development is connected strongly to world trade, especially that related to China and Germany. 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. There is a significant need for quicker and clearer political decision-making to sway negative sentiments. I expect that throughput in the third quarter will stay on target. July was a good month and the cargo for August and September is already in the pipeline. In spite of insecurity about the fourth quarter, I expect throughput for the entire year to show a light growth.’
Better Result
The Port of Rotterdam Authority’s rise in result is especially due to increased yields. The yields from the letting of industrial areas increased by € 5 million (4%) through new area distribution and price adjustments. The port dues increased by € 7 million (5%). This increase is considerably higher than the 1% increase in throughput because a one-off crisis discount on port dues was given in 2010. This crisis discount of 7% was replaced by a so-called recovery reduction of 3%.
Investements
The Port Authority invested € 186 million in the first half year, against € 200 million in the first half year in 2010. The expectation is that investments in the second half year will increase substantially and rise to some € 520 million in total this year: approximately € 150 million in the existing port area and € 370 million in Maasvlakte 2. In 2010, the Port Authority invested € 445 million.
