Rotterdam celebrates European first

In a breakdown, imports increased by 4% to 300m tonnes, while exports rose by almost 14% to 107m tonnes. Bulk cargo handling climbed 4.5% and container traffic surged 10%. However, crude oil imports and exports fell 2%, allowing more containers (105m) to be transhipped than crude oil for the first time in the port’s history. Chief executive Hans Smits said that prospects for the Port of Rotterdam remain “very positive”. However, he added: “The port is developing above the highest long-term growth scenario, but within the ‘old’ physical boundaries. This is commercially and socially positive, until the increase in revenue decreases.

“We are balancing on the pivot point, particularly in the oil, containers and other dry bulk sectors and in hinterland transport. Although the businesses appear to be skilled tightrope walkers, we still have a few more years to go before we are in the clear.”