PORT of Rotterdam’s total throughput for 2018 finished at 469m tonnes, slightly higher than in 2017, according to management.
The 2017 figure of 467.4m tonnes was in itself reported to be a record.
Measured in TEUs, the increase was 5.7% and the annual total was 14.5m TEU (also a record).
“This strengthens the position of Europe’s largest container port in this strategically important market segment,” a PoR statement read.
Underlying shifts were noticed in goods segments.
While container transhipments grew, those of crude oil, mineral oil products and agribulk fell.
Throughput of LNG (+163.6%) and biomass (+31.6%) saw big rises last year.
Gross investments rose 91% to €408.1m (AU$648m).
By far the largest part of this amount was used to further improve the logistical accessibility of the port of Rotterdam, for example by building the Container Exchange Route on the Maasvlakte and the Princess Amalia Viaduct and relocating the port railway via the Theemsweg route.
Port management have spoken of their social contribution also.
“At least as important as this economic contribution is the social contribution that the Port Authority makes to the improvement of the living environment,” a PoR statement read.
“The Port of Rotterdam Authority is committed to drastically reducing CO2 emissions in order to help achieve the ambitious national climate target.”
