Annual report 2008

2008 a good year
We can safely say that, despite a poor last quarter due to the first signs of the global credit crisis, 2008 was a good year for the port of Rotterdam. Throughput of goods in the port increased in 2008 to reach a record level of 421 million tonnes, 2.9% more than in 2007. Imports increased by 4.1% to more than 313 million tonnes, while exports fell by 0.3% to 108 million tonnes. In units, throughput of containers remained stable at 10.8 million TEU.

The turbulent economic developments during the last few months of 2008 have had a clear impact on the results of the port of Rotterdam. Throughput volumes have been shrinking rapidly since October, and this has caused falls in income from harbor dues. The figures show clearly the extent to which the port of Rotterdam moves with the global economy. Rotterdam is one of the most important hubs for world trade. If this trade declines, we decline too, and vice-versa. There was still growth over the year as a whole, but this was considerably less than the 5.5 per cent that the port has achieved on average for each of the past five years. 

Working together on world class: Space for Growth, Accessibility and Sustainability 
To maintain and strengthen Rotterdam’s competitive position, we are making every effort, together with our partners, to continue working to build a world-class port. In these lean economic times, which also demand the utmost of our customers in their aim to pursue efficient business operations, ‘working together’ is more vital than ever. 

In our Annual Report 2008, following a brief introduction entitled ‘The Port and Port Authority in Brief’, we will describe the main projects from our crucial themes of ‘Space for Growth’, ‘Accessibility’ and ‘Sustainability’. Despite the temporary economic downturn, ‘space for growth’ remains crucial.

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Result for 2008: € 151 million