The first half of 2015 yielded better results than the same period in 2014 for the Dutch port of Rotterdam, resulting in the total throughput increase of 6.8%.
The growth was almost entirely accounted for by the throughput of oil products (+29.7%), crude oil (+8.3%), containers (+3.7% in TEU) and roll-on/roll-off-transport (+9.6%).
The throughput of dry bulk (agricultural bulk, coal, ores) fell across the board.
According to the port’s half-year results, the number of sea-going vessels in the port increased considerably, i.e. 3%, for the first time since 2010.
The net result grew by € 3.1 million (USD 3.36 million) to € 122.5 million (USD 132.7 million) in the first half of 2015. Turnover in the first half of 2015 increased by € 14.7 million compared to the first half of 2014. Both the seaport dues and the revenues from contracts rose.
The operating expenses were higher, mainly due to higher running costs (€ 5.1 million). In addition, depreciation increased by € 9.0 million as a result of a one-off depreciation.
On the other hand, financial income and expenses were lower due to periodic repayments and an extra repayment at the end of 2014. The income from participating interests rose by € 4.1 million. Total investments are expected to fall from € 189.3 million in the whole year of 2014 to approximately € 160.0 million in 2015.
In terms of growth prospects, the port described market conditions as reasonably favorable, adding that it would continue to concentrate on mature markets (such as refining and chemicals), growth markets (such as containers and LNG) and new markets (such as offshore and bio-based).