Rotterdam World Port shows long-term confidence

 
Port of Rotterdam implements all expansions as planned 

The top representatives of the Dutch seaport of Rotterdam are expecting growing volumes in sea freight throughput. “According to our calculations around 800 million tons of goods will be handled in 2030 at the facilities operated by the companies of the Port of Rotterdam Community. Container traffic will triple to around 30 million TEU per year”, said Wim van Sluis, Chairman of the Rotterdam Port Promotion Council, at an event in Vienna.

In this context the Dutch port is keeping all its expansion plans. In addition to Maasvlakte 2, of which the first part shall start operating by 2013, a new LNG-terminal is being constructed. At the same time the terminals for inland shipping and Ro/Ro-shipping, the facilities for the handling of seaport-hinterland traffic on the rail and the facilities for the handling of steel products are expanded systematically, Emile C. Hoogsteden, Director Containers, Breakbulk & Logistics of Hafenbedrijf Rotterdam NV, announced in Vienna.

During the first quarter of 2009 the Port of Rotterdam recorded a sharp fall in cargo throughput. According to Mr. Wim van Sluis the volume fell 12 per cent compared to the previous year. A total annual throughput of 400 million tons would be a satisfying figure for the Head of the Rotterdam Port Promotion Council. In 2008 the port handled 420 million tons, of which were 10.8 million TEU. 

Quelle: Österreichische Verkehrszeitung