Slight confidence for 2010 at Port of Rotterdam

Port of Rotterdam: Global economic crisis reduced cargo throughput in 2009

Rotterdam’s port industry is looking to 2010 with cautious optimism. Hans Smits, Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO, registers a slightly positive trend in some segments. Some industrial segments that are important for global exchange of goods and merchandises are still in a strained demand situation, he estimates. Against this background the Manager expects a slight increase in sea cargo going via Rotterdam next year. Mr. Smits assumes the total volume to beat the mark of 400 million tons. This would require at least a 3 per cent increase in volumes compared to 2009.

In 2009 Port of Rotterdam handled 385 million tons of goods at its quay facilities. Thus the port was 8.5 per cent below last year’s level. Import volumes fell 13 per cent to 272 million tons. Decline in exportations was slightly moderate with minus 5 per cent to 113 million tons. Iron ore, scrap and agribulk showed a strong decline in throughput. Container transport amounted to 9.8 million TEU (minus 10 per cent) with a weight of 100.3 million tons. As for roll on/roll off business, the throughput statistics of 2009 show a figure of around 16 million tons (minus 11 per cent).

Quelle: Österreichische Verkehrszeitung 
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