In the first two quarters of 2019, the port of Rotterdam reached a throughput of 240.7 million tonnes, which is a new record and 3.4 percent more than in the same period last year.
Turnover grew by 4 percent to 357.8 million euros. This was due, among other things, to an increase in the received seaport fees and lease and leasehold proceeds from issued land.
The segment of the so-called ‘ wet bulk ‘ contributed the strongest to turnover growth. This component consists of, among other things, gasoline and liquid chemicals, but also edible oils and fats.
The market segment in crude oil grew by 2.8 percent, while that of liquefied natural gas (LNG) almost doubled. The growth here was 94 percent. The latter is mainly due to the export increase of American gas to the Netherlands.
Brexit threat and trade tensions
The port of Rotterdam mainly made investments in infrastructure, totalling EUR 177.1 million. The Port Authority expects to bring down CO2 emissions for 2030 with 2 to 4 megaton by starting a project with CO2 storage in empty gas fields under the North Sea.
Although it goes well, CEO Allard Castelein expects a slight weakening in the growth of transhipment in the second half year, due to the ongoing global trade tensions and the forthcoming Brexit. “Both developments contribute to the uncertainty of the prospects for further growth in world trade.”
By: NU.nl
