In the first half of 2017 the Port of Rotterdam reports an increase in throughput of 3.9%.
There was growth in eight of the ten market segments. According to the Port of Rotterdam Authority, there was a drop in the volumes of mineral oil products and other liquid bulk. In particular, the volume of containers handled (9.3% in teu, 10.4% in tonnes) was the determining factor for the overall growth in throughput.
Dry bulk increased (5.2%), liquid bulk decreased slightly (-1.0%) and break bulk was very much on the rise (10.8%). A total of 238 million tonnes of goods were handled in the first half of the year. The market share of Rotterdam by comparison with the other ports in the Hamburg-Le Havre range increased from 29.0% (Q1 2016) to 30.9% (Q1 2017) in the container sector.
Several companies announced major investments in the first half of the year, indicating business confidence in the Rotterdam port and industrial complex.
Summary of key growth margins
- Growth primarily in container segment (+9.3% in TEU)
- Range of major investments announced by business and Port of Rotterdam Authority
- Revenue of Port of Rotterdam Authority increases slightly, net result constant
- Competitive position of the port an ongoing concern
