Rotterdam port throughput down 11.9% within 9 months, 2009
While the amount of cargo handled in the port of Rotterdam decreased by 11.9% to 283 million tons in the first nine months current year certain bulk liquid products volume was up. The throughput of oil products (petrol, diesel, kerosene, fuel oil) grew strongly by 21% to 54 million tons, tankstoragemag.com informed
The volumes of imported bio-fuel and palm oil lagged behind 2008 figures. Crude oil import decreased by 7% to 72 million tons.
‘On balance, this means a stabilisation in throughput. This corresponds to expectations from halfway through the year, according to which the prognosis for the whole year is a decrease in throughput of approximately 10%,’ Hans Smits, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Administration, commented on the matter adding, ‘the trend has been seen since July’.
Rotterdam port is the largest European port-hub with infrastructure designed to operate ocean services, feeder lines, pipelines, railway and motor services. Its area amounts to 10.5 thousand ha.