Port of Rotterdam recorded 10.4 million TEUs in the first three quarters of the year, representing a 2.2% growth over the same period in 2023. The total container throughput in tonnes increased by 3% to 101.1 million metric tonnes.
The increase is mainly due to increasing consumer spending in Europe, according to the Rotterdam Port Authority, as spending is rising again after a period of lower purchasing power. Additionally, stocks that were run down after the Covid-19 pandemic are now back to previous levels.
Since industrial production in Europe has not yet fully recovered, exports of finished goods such as capital goods and automotive parts are lagging behind, noted the Dutch port in its statement.
Meanwhile, uncertainties due to rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope led to an early peak season in summer. In September, however, some services were diverted via other ports, and, as a result, volumes in Rotterdam were lower this month.
Rotterdam Port Authority noted the port congestion in Asia, the Middle East and southern Europe has now eased and due to the limited vessel capacity, the number of port calls is still lower than last year, resulting in very full vessels. This means that terminals at the Dutch port and in the hinterland are still facing peak loads.
In the meantime, dry bulk throughput declined by 0.9% in the first three quarters of 2024, falling to 52.2 million metric tonnes, while the throughput of liquid bulk dropped by 1.7% to 151.5 million metric tonnes.