The following release was published by Port of Rotterdam:
Throughput in the port of Rotterdam declined by 0.7% in 2024. Total throughput amounted to 435.8 million tonnes, compared to 438.8 million tonnes in the same period last year. The decline in throughput is mainly due to lower coal and crude oil throughput. Growth was recorded in the container segment.
Driven by increasing consumer spending, throughput grew by 2.8% to 13.8 million TEU. Throughput in the iron ore & scrap, mineral oil products, and other dry bulk segments also increased. The Port Authority had a strong financial year. The solid financial position enables the Port Authority to make significant investments in infrastructure for a future-proof port. For example, construction has started on the CO2 transport and storage project Porthos, and the Port Authority has invested in enhancing the digital resilience of the port of Rotterdam by setting up a national cybersecurity platform and further rolling out the Secure Chain.
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.'
Containers and breakbulk Container throughput in 2024 increased by 2.5% in tonnes to 133.4 million tonnes and by 2.8% 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%. 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% due to lower throughput of steel and non-ferrous products, caused by reduced demand from European industry and sanctions on Russian aluminium.
Source: Port of Rotterdam