The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, saw cargo throughput grow 1.7% in 2012 to a record 442 million tonnes.
Mr Hans Smits president and CEO Port of Rotterdam said that “Although the growth is limited, it is another record for Rotterdam.”
Container volumes at the Dutch port increased slightly during the twelve-month period with 11.9 million TEU, or 126 million tonnes, moved through the port, while breakbulk volumes fell five percent to 24 million tonnes due a reduction in steel imports.
However, Mr Smits added that the port compensated for the declining steel production in Europe with considerable growth in liquid bulk volumes and in particular the handling of crude oil, which increased by 6%
In dry bulk, less cargo was handled across the board following bad harvests in major grain and oil seed exporting countries, which caused the port’s agribulk business to fall 18% while iron ore and scrap moved through the port fell 12% and the throughput of cokes coal dropped 4%.
Throughput of other dry bulk fell nine percent due to a slump in the construction industry and disappointing industrial production. A total of 79 million tonnes of dry bulk was handled in 2012.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority expects growth of around two percent next year.
