Particularly strong growth in container throughput of 12.3 per cent (in tonnes) was the main driver of growth in the port of Rotterdam throughout 2017. Total cargo throughput rose by 1.3 per cent, with the port returning to the growth trend seen before 2016. Total tonnage increased from 461 million to 467 million. The increase in containers was offset by a fall in dry bulk of 2.6 per cent and in wet bulk of 4.1 per cent. Break-bulk (Roll on/Roll off and other break-bulk) increased by 7 per cent, said a release.
Mr Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “The port of Rotterdam has had a good year. Led by the container sector, goods throughput rose to a record level. The container sector is particularly important because it plays an essential role in creating added value such as employment in the port and the hinterland. I am also satisfied with the high level of investment because it will allow us to facilitate our new and existing customers even better. And we can be happy with the pace at which we are implementing our plans for the energy transition and digitalisation. The Port Authority supports the goal stated in the Dutch coalition agreement to reduce CO2 emissions to 49 per cent of the 1990 level by 2030. To make this happen, we are now appraising a large number of projects.
“We are also making progress in the field of digitalisation. Together with customers, our partners in the chain and digital platforms, we are making sure that the most promising digital innovations are being developed in Rotterdam. The Port Authority assumes an active role in the collection of data and information, and in making them available. The ultimate goal is to make the port and the logistics chains smarter and to safeguard the seamless throughput of traffic and goods. The port will also be faced with the inevitable challenges in 2018, with preparations for Brexit being one of the most important.”
