Rotterdam Europe's major shortsea port
04-03-2008
Rotterdam is the most important port for intra-European transport by ocean-going vessel, which, in 2006, totalled 1.9 billion tonnes for the 27 EU Member States. In Rotterdam, 184 million tonnes were handled, almost the same as the previous year, representing 7.4% of the EU total. Antwerp came second with 68 million tonnes, followed closely by Marseilles with 62 million.The proportion of European cargo handled in Rotterdam is in excess of 50%, with 168 million tonnes coming from or heading for other continents. Rotterdam is in the lead when it comes to liquid cargo, dry bulk and containers. In roll on/roll off, the port failed to make the top 5 in 2006, behind specialists Dover, Calais, Lübeck, Zeebrugge and Immingham. However, this position is within sight for Rotterdam in 2007 (+25% to 16 million tonnes).
The distribution of intra-European throughput (in million tonnes) per trade:
| North Sea | 673 |
| Mediterranean | 573 |
| Baltic Sea | 438 |
| Atlantic Ocean | 313 |
| Black sea | 141 |
In liquid cargo, Rotterdam’s share in intra-European cargo was 11%. The top 3, in million tonnes, and the percentage difference with 2006:
| Rotterdam | 126.1 (-2.6%) |
| Marseilles | 52.1 (+2.3%) |
| Le Havre | 37.1 (-4.6%) |
Non-EU: 47 million tonnes
In dry bulk, the level of concentration is clearly lower and Rotterdam has a 3% share. The top 3:
| Rotterdam | 13.5 (-3.5%) |
| Riga | 12.9 (-3.7%) |
| Amsterdam | 12.2 (-4.6%) |
Non-EU: 71.6 million tonnes
In containers, the main ports handle:
| Rotterdam | 28.6 (+ 6.7%) |
| Riga | 26.4 (+ 6.2%) |
| Amsterdam | 23.8 (+ 17.3%) |
Non-EU: 45.2 million tonnes
Notwithstanding the sharp growth in world trade, goods transport continues to involve short or very short distances. 62% of goods transport by sea takes place between the 27 countries of the EU (2005: 63%). Subsequently, maritime transport’s share in total European goods transport is estimated at less than 10%.
Mail a friend
Print This Page