Port of Rotterdam Container Traffic Up 9.7 Percent

Cargo through Port of Rotterdam in the first half of the year increased 1 percent year-over-year to 215 million metric tons, as a 9.7 increase in container handling helped offset a decline in oil products shipments.

Throughput of 20-foot container equivalent units at Europe’s largest port rose to 6 million within the same period, while bulk cargo shipment fell 4 percent to 140 million metric tons, the Port of Rotterdam Authority said.

By the Numbers: Europe-Asia Eastbound Trade

“The Port of Rotterdam's positive development is connected strongly to world trade, especially that related to China and Germany,” said Hans Smits, the authority’s CEO. “ The significant unrest on the financial markets and its influence on the trust of consumers and producers can have a negative influence on world trade and thus on our throughput.”

Smits said he expects “light growth” over the next six months despite the economic uncertainty.

The port’s revenue rose 9 percent to $140.8 million in the first half of the year from the same period a year ago, as it increased industrial area letting and received higher port dues.

The Dutch cargo hub invested $267.3 million in the first half of the year, down 7 percent from the same period a year ago. The port said it expects to spend about $480 million in the second half of the year, which will allow it to finish the year with a 16.9 percent higher investment than in 2010.

-- Contact Mark Szakonyi at mszakonyi@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @Szakonyi_JOC