The Port of Rotterdam Authority is hosting representatives from short sea and RoRo companies from the United Kingdom. This is the Port of Rotterdam's largest overseas trading partner and provides more than 60 million tonnes of freight per year. More than 40 million tonnes is transported via coasters or RoRo vessels, the PRA press release said.
The opening of the 'UK Event' is overseen by Port Authority President and CEO Hans Smits. Ambassador Paul Arkwright welcomes his fellow countrymen, positioning the meeting within the general economic relationships between the Netherlands and the UK.
The morning programme comprises presentations about the port in general, the Port Vision, Coolport and the Port Authority's vision on the development of intra-European freight transport. This vision will be tested on the guests and where necessary adapted and tightened. A tour around the port and a visit to Futureland, the Maasvlakte 2 information centre, will take place in the afternoon.
UK-Rotterdam
The UK is at the top of the league table regarding overseas countries with which Rotterdam exchanges cargo. Throughput amounted to almost 66 million tonnes in 2010, of which more than a quarter was crude oil. This share has been falling for some time, with crude oil coming increasingly from Russia. Containers and trailers, more than 40% mainly filled with consumer goods, have taken over the top position.
The short sea market share to UK/Ireland from Rotterdam in the HLH Range amounts to 50%. In containers (transhipment plus short sea) the UK is number one in Rotterdam with a throughput of 1.1 million TEU in 2010. Considering the long-term perspective of a barely ageing and large population, limited own food production and continuing de-industrialisation, the UK will remain an interesting market for the foreseeable future.