The Port Authority of Rotterdam has published its 2024 volumes, revealing a slight reduction in cargo throughput over the previous year.
In 2024, container traffic climbed by 2.5 per cent in tonnes to 133.4 million tonnes and 2.8 per cent in TEUs to 13.8 million TEUs.
The throughput of iron ore and scrap, mineral oil products, and other dry bulk categories also rose.
The breakbulk section showed a dip of 3.7 per cent. 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.
The liquid bulk category fell by 2.7 per cent, to 200 million tonnes. Crude oil throughput decreased by 4.5 per cent to 97.8 million tonnes owing to refinery maintenance in Rotterdam and the surrounding area.
Diesel throughput fell owing to decreasing demand. LNG throughput declined by 5.3 per cent. Imports fell, as they did across Europe, due to high stock levels.
The throughput of other liquid bulk declined by 2.2 per cent, owing mostly to a decrease in renewable fuel capacity. For example, exports to Sweden were reduced due to the country’s lower biofuel blending percentage.
RoRo traffic remained consistent thanks to a solid fourth quarter, which was fuelled by the launch of additional services and larger vessels.
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Porthos, a CO2 transport and storage project, is now under development. Additionally, the port has invested in improving digital resilience by establishing a national cybersecurity platform and implementing the Secure Chain.
Increased European consumption is driving the container segment’s rise. Wage indexation and low inflation resulted in greater disposable income and demand for consumer products and foods.
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Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: ”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.”
