In 2009, goods throughput in the port of Rotterdam fell to 385 million tonnes. This is 8.5% down on 2008. Imports shrank by 13% to 272 million tonnes; exports increased by 5% to 113 million tonnes. Bulk was 29% down on the previous year; general cargo fell by 9%. There was less incoming and outgoing trade in agribulk (-22%), ores and scrap (-47%), coal (-12%), other dry bulk (-13%), crude oil (-6%), other liquid bulk (-16%), roll on/roll off (-11%), other general cargo (-16%) and containers (-6%). Only the handling of mineral oil products showed a positive trend (+23%), actually achieving the biggest absolute increase (13 million tonnes) ever.
Hans Smits, Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO: “Considering the circumstances, we cannot be dissatisfied. 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. But I am not unconcerned. Many of our clients are having a difficult time and that will not be much different in 2010. 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 tonne barrier again next year. That means growth in throughput considerably over 3%”.