The Port of Rotterdam experienced a 4.1% decline in throughput during the first half of 2025, totaling 211.0 million tons. The most significant drops were seen in dry bulk (-8.9%) and liquid bulk (-5.3%), while container throughput in TEU terms grew by 2.7%. However, in tonnage, the container segment recorded a slight decline of 1.0%.
The Port Authority has raised concerns over the lack of market investment in the industry. While recent government measures aim to level the playing field for Dutch industry compared to neighboring countries, further action is deemed necessary. The closure of several chemical companies, resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs in early 2025, underscores these challenges. Despite this, the Port Authority’s financial performance and investment levels remain stable.
Shifts in Bulk and Commodity Flows
The first half of the year saw a surge in imports of oilseeds like soybeans, soybean meal, and rapeseed, driving up Dutch import volumes. Conversely, iron ore and scrap throughput dropped by 12.2%, reflecting reduced production in Germany’s steel sector amid economic uncertainty and trade restrictions. Coal throughput also plummeted by 21.1%, primarily due to a decline in coking coal supplies for steel production.
Supply Chain Disruptions Add Pressure
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, commented on the challenges: “In recent months, we’ve faced economic uncertainties, lagging investments, and supply chain disruptions. As a port, it’s our responsibility to ensure the secure supply of energy, food, and other essential materials for Europe. Maintaining the competitiveness of port industries is equally critical to safeguarding Europe’s strategic autonomy.”
Investing in a Sustainable Future
Despite economic headwinds, the Port of Rotterdam is pressing ahead with projects to create a sustainable, net-zero CO2 port by 2050. Significant progress has been made on the Porthos CCS project, a key initiative for carbon capture and storage. The land pipeline construction is complete, and work on offshore infrastructure is underway. Additionally, a former gas production platform in the North Sea is being repurposed to inject CO2 into undersea gas fields for permanent storage. The Porthos project is on track to become operational in 2026.
©International Bulk Journal