Throughput in the port of Rotterdam declined by 0.7 per cent in 2024. Total throughput amounted to 435.8 million tonnes, compared to 438.8 million tonnes in the same period last year. The decline is mainly due to lower coal and crude oil throughput. Growth was recorded in the container segment.
Driven by increasing consumer spending, container throughput grew by 2.8 per cent to 13.8 million TEU. Throughput in the iron ore and scrap, mineral oil products, and other dry bulk segments also increased. The Port Authority had a strong financial year, which enabled investments in infrastructure for a future-proof port. Watch a video about the annual figures below (English subtitles available).
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority: ‘Last year, we found ourselves as a stable port in turbulent international waters. Geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts impacted the global economy, leading to market uncertainty. Economic growth in Europe lagged behind other regions, which is reflected in throughput and business investments in the port of Rotterdam. Despite global conflicts, we have demonstrated resilience as a port and continue to invest in the port of the future.’
Also read: Demand for LNG up 52% in Rotterdam last year
Energy and raw materials transition
Several energy transition projects launched this year, including Porthos. Its compressor station is under construction and will pressurise CO2 for offshore storage beneath the North Sea by 2026. The hydrogen pipeline and Shell’s hydrogen plant are under construction. New shore power agreements were signed, and Rotterdam’s Cruise Terminal will start using shore power in the spring of 2025.
Clarity has also been provided on the development of the Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC). While a four-year delay was announced earlier last year for the development of hydrogen and CO2 pipelines, a decision was made at the end of the year to prioritise these infrastructures. The hydrogen pipeline is now scheduled for completion in 2031/2032, and the CO2 pipeline in 2032/2033.
Call for clear industrial policy
More infrastructure and new solutions to relieve the electricity grid are needed to support the sustainability transition of Rotterdam’s industry. Companies in the port complex that aim to become more sustainable face challenges related to permits, nitrogen regulations, high electricity tariffs, high energy prices, slow market development, and increasing pressure on available space.
Therefore, the Port of Rotterdam Authority supports the call for a clear and consistent industrial policy and reduced regulatory pressure from the Dutch government and the EU to facilitate the energy and raw materials transition, retain industry, and provide the opportunity for transformation.
Also read: Rotterdam Harbour Master announces Nieuwe Maas speed limit
Digitalisation and resilience
Progress was made in 2024 in strengthening the resilience of the port and the supply chain via Rotterdam. The cyber threat to ports is increasing every day. Cyber incidents impact the entire supply chain due to the close interconnectedness of the various parties.
To better withstand these threats, the port authorities under the Dutch Seaports Association (BOZ) – Groningen Seaports, North Sea Port, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Moerdijk, and Port of Amsterdam – collaborate with companies in their regions to enhance the digital resilience of the port ecosystem. Stichting FERM, which is already active for the ports of Rotterdam and Moerdijk, will be transformed into a national cyber security platform for the Dutch seaports united in the BOZ.
Also read: Dutch seaports launch nationwide cyber security platform
Secure Chain to battle crime and theft
In the fight against drug-related crime, the Port Authority supports the rollout of the Secure Chain. This public-private partnership aims to enhance the digital resilience of supply chains against crime and theft. The core principle is that each link in the supply chain explicitly identifies the next link. As a result, it is no longer possible to unlawfully collect a container from the terminal.
All major shipping lines and container terminals now operate through the Secure Chain, and since its launch, more than 630,000 import containers in the port of Rotterdam have been handled securely and reliably. In February 2025, the final shipping regions – Asia and Oceania – will be added.
Dry bulk
The throughput of dry bulk has increased by 0.8 per cent compared to the same period last year, driven mainly by the higher throughput of iron ore and scrap. This segment grew by 5.7 per cent to 29.7 million tonnes due to the slight increase in steel production in Germany, stock replenishments in the first half of the year, and the rise in the re-export of iron ore.
The “Other dry bulk” segment (industrial minerals, non-ferrous ores, fertilizers, salt, etc.) have also seen a 21.5 per cent increase. This is remarkable, as industrial production remains under pressure and demand for raw materials is not growing. The growth is a response to the sharp decline in 2023 and is more about stock replenishment than structural demand growth.
Coal throughput declined by 18 per cent due to low demand for thermal coal for power generation. The demand for thermal coal decreased due to competition from gas, which has become cheaper, and from renewable energy sources.
Also read: Sustainability becomes factor in Port of Rotterdam tariffs
Liquid bulk
The liquid bulk segment declined by 2.7 per cent to 200 million tonnes. Crude oil throughput fell by 4.5 per cent to 97.8 million tonnes due to refinery maintenance in Rotterdam and the hinterland. The throughput of mineral oil products increased by 0.8 per cent, driven by more trade in fuel oil and increased demand for kerosene.
Diesel throughput declined due to lower demand. LNG throughput decreased by 5.3 per cent. As in the rest of Europe, imports declined due to high stock levels. The throughput of other liquid bulk fell by 2.2 per cent, mainly due to a decrease in the throughput of renewable fuels.
Containers and breakbulk
Container throughput in 2024 increased by 2.5 per cent in tonnes to 133.4 million tonnes and by 2.8 per cent in TEU to 13.8 million TEU. The growth in the container segment can be attributed to increased European consumption. Wage indexation and declining inflation led to higher disposable income and increased demand for consumer goods and food.
The breakbulk segment saw a decline of 3.7 per cent. Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic remained stable due to a strong fourth quarter, driven by the introduction of new services and larger vessels. Other breakbulk decreased by 10 per cent due to lower throughput of steel and non-ferrous products, caused by reduced demand from European industry and sanctions on Russian aluminium.
Also read: Rotterdam-Singapore Green Corridor trials bio-methane bunkering
Investments and financials
The financial position of the Port of Rotterdam Authority allowed for an 11 per cent increase in gross investments to EUR 320.6 million. Investments included traditional infrastructure such as quay walls and jetties, energy transition infrastructure, and innovation and digitalisation.
The largest investments in 2024 included the further development of quay walls for the expansion of container terminals in the Prinses Amaliahaven (EUR 42.5 million), the construction of the CO2 transport and storage project Porthos (EUR 39.4 million), the widening of the Yangtzekanaal (EUR 22.5 million), and the development of the Portlantis port experience centre (EUR 12.8 million).
Revenue increased by 4.8 per cent to EUR 882.0 million. Operating expenses rose by 8.7 per cent to EUR 318.5 million, driven by wage indexation and higher operating expenses for port maintenance and management. As a result, earnings before interest, depreciation and taxes (EBITDA) increased by 2.7 per cent to EUR 563.5 million. Net profit increased by EUR 40.2 million to EUR 273.7 million.
The main revenue sources are income from land leases and port dues. Income from land leases increased by EUR 41.6 million to EUR 508.6 million due to new contracts, price adjustments and contract expansions. Revenue from port dues declined by 0.9 per cent in 2024 to EUR 336.5 million. This was due to a negative price effect caused by the larger call sizes of tankers and container ships. Due to vessels rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, fewer ships are sailing to Europe, but those that do are more heavily loaded.
Also read: Rotterdam throughput drops, but container sector sees growth
Invest in the competitiveness of industry
Current global tensions have led to uncertain market conditions, increased cyber attacks, and disruptions in the supply chain for the port and industrial complex. Locally, there are also challenges related to organised crime, nitrogen regulations, grid congestion and employment.
Predictable and competitive market conditions for investments in industrial sustainability are crucial for a successful transition to a climate-neutral port, Europe’s strategic autonomy, and securing Europe’s supply chains. In the run-up to the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal and the Spring Budget, the Port of Rotterdam Authority – together with international partners – is calling on the European Commission and the Dutch government to strengthen the competitiveness of European and Dutch industry and to remove barriers. The focus should be on reinforcing international supply chains and industrial clusters.
Picture: Maasvlakte in Port of Rotterdam (photo by Martens Multimedia).
Also read: Ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam call for Clean Industrial Deal
