Economy

In the first half of 2009, the port of Rotterdam transhipped 185 million tons of goods, 13.4% less than in the first half of 2008. Transport dropped by 4.6% to 54 million tonnes, supply dropped by 16.6% to 131 million tonnes. The transhipment of mass goods decreased by 12.4% to 128 million tonnes. The general cargo came out 15.5% lower at 57 million tonnes. Only the transhipment of mineral oil products managed to increase positively by 17%, from 30 to 35 million tonnes.     
All types of goods decreased heavily: bulk (-19%), ore and scrap (-61%), coal (-14%), other dry mass goods (-28%), rough oil (-4%), other wet mass goods (-20%), roll on/roll off (-14%), other general cargo (-27%) and containers (-15%). In numbers, container transhipment decreased by over 15% down to 4.6 million TEU (20 ft units).

Hans Smits, CEO of the port of Rotterdam: “We seem to have reached the bottom of the downturn now. In the second half of the year, I expect transhipment to stabilise, giving an annual drop of about 12%. In 2010, Rotterdam will be able to benefit from the predicted modest increase in global trade and contribute to the recovery in the growth of the Dutch economy. Incidentally, despite the recession, our market share is showing clear growth. Investments are proving to be profitable. That is why we are currently benefiting from the strong trade in crude oil and oil products. On the Maasvlakte, the container industry can reduce costs through scale increases and concentration. So the port of Rotterdam will continue to invest in the current harbour area as well as in Maasvlakte 2."