In the first half of 2012, 222 million tonnes of cargo was handled in the port of Rotterdam, 3.2% up on the first half of 2011. Incoming trade rose by 1% to 155 million tonnes and outgoing trade by 8% to 66 million tonnes. Bulk throughput increased by 5% to 147 million tonnes and container throughput was 2% up at 63 million tonnes. Less general cargo was handled: down 8% to 12 million tonnes. Less agribulk (-11%), iron ore and scrap (-15%), other dry bulk (-9%) and other general cargo (-25%) were imported and exported. The other types of cargo were up: coal (+2%), crude oil (+10%), mineral oil products (+14%), other liquid bulk (+6%), roll on/roll off (+1%) and containers (+2%). In numbers, container throughput fell by close on 2% to 5.9 million TEU (20-foot units).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hans Smits, Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO: ‘The port of Rotterdam got off to a good start, with slightly higher than expected growth in throughput. This is in line with the recent report from Statistics Netherlands, in which the economic growth is attributed primarily to exports outside the EU. By far the majority of this travels via the port of Rotterdam. The national picture also corresponds with that of the port when it comes to products: an increase in the refining and handling of crude oil and oil products, as well as container throughput is benefiting from the good export performance of Dutch and German industry. I expect throughput over the year as a whole to show modest growth of around one per cent.
Like throughput, the construction of the Second Maasvlakte is developing well. One of this year’s two critical moments, the closure of the seawall, went perfectly. I have every confidence that the same will apply to the rerouting of the infrastructure and the start of the digging through of the Yangtsehaven in October. The construction on the RWG and APMT container terminals marks the actual beginning of corporate investment on the land expansion. In the existing port area there is ongoing investment, with large projects in refining, chemicals, tank storage and energy. In total, the business sector will be investing almost € 11 billion in the port area during the period 2011 up to and including 2015. This is evidence of confidence in the port of Rotterdam, and also positive expectations regarding the economic developments and integration of Europe. It is crucial for us all that some quick, clear political decisions are made on these aspects.’
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