Final figures reveal that the Port of Rotterdam’s 2009 throughput was off only 8.1 percent for the year, rather than the 8.5 percent estimated at the close of December, thanks to a smaller than expected fall-off in crude oil imports.
The port’s total 2009 throughput was 387 million metric tons. Imports decreased 12.7 percent, to 273 million metric tons, while exports increased by 5.1 percent to 114 million metric tons.
Non-containerized general cargo declined 18.4 percent to 6 million metric tons. Steel and non-ferrous metals account for around 70 percent of the port’s general cargo volume. The decline in non-ferrous metals was mild, but steel throughput was down 33 percent. Paper and fruit were off only slightly and project cargo remained stable in 2009, the port said. Roll-on, roll-off cargo fell 10.6 percent, to 16 million metric tons.
“Considering the circumstances, we cannot be dissatisfied,” said Hans Smits, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. “After hitting rock bottom in the second quarter, throughput has been improving slightly every month and virtually all the investments are going ahead. Moreover, Rotterdam is doing better than its main rivals. … The best medicine for this is growth, partly through an increase in our market shares. We therefore intend to continue with our active commercial policy. As a result of this, among other things, I hope that we will be able to break through the 400 million (metric ton) barrier again next year.”
The port’s total 2009 throughput was 387 million metric tons. Imports decreased 12.7 percent, to 273 million metric tons, while exports increased by 5.1 percent to 114 million metric tons.
Non-containerized general cargo declined 18.4 percent to 6 million metric tons. Steel and non-ferrous metals account for around 70 percent of the port’s general cargo volume. The decline in non-ferrous metals was mild, but steel throughput was down 33 percent. Paper and fruit were off only slightly and project cargo remained stable in 2009, the port said. Roll-on, roll-off cargo fell 10.6 percent, to 16 million metric tons.
“Considering the circumstances, we cannot be dissatisfied,” said Hans Smits, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. “After hitting rock bottom in the second quarter, throughput has been improving slightly every month and virtually all the investments are going ahead. Moreover, Rotterdam is doing better than its main rivals. … The best medicine for this is growth, partly through an increase in our market shares. We therefore intend to continue with our active commercial policy. As a result of this, among other things, I hope that we will be able to break through the 400 million (metric ton) barrier again next year.”