Blog Archives

For the first time in three years, the container segment of the Rotterdam port is experiencing a slight uptick in throughput volumes.

There’s been a 3.3% increase in tonnes moved, rising from 31.5 million tonnes to 32.5 million tonnes, and a 2% rise in TEUs, reaching 3.3 million TEUs in the first quarter of 2024 at the Dutch port.

The situation in the Red Sea resulted in a notable decline in ships (-24.5%) and volume from Asia (-13.7%) during January and February, attributed to delays and missed sailings. Initially, accommodating the altered sailing schedules required adjustments in the logistics chain.

The overall demand for freight remains largely unchanged, with the situation now stabilized. In March, there was a notable increase in the number of arriving ships (11.5%), and volumes from Asia rebounded. Positive results were also observed in other shipping regions, driven by a cautious economic recovery and destocking activities.

Moreover, in the first quarter of 2024, total throughput at the port of Rotterdam decreased by 1.4% compared to the corresponding period last year. Specifically, throughput amounted to 110.1 million tonnes, down from 111.7 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2023.

This decline is primarily attributed to reduced throughput of coal, crude oil, and oil products. However, there was an increase in throughput of iron ore & scrap and LNG. Additionally, container throughput showed a 3.3% increase during this period.

Furthermore, there’s been a significant surge (29%) in feeder traffic from Rotterdam to Mediterranean seaports. This increase is attributed to ships rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing certain ports, and transporting cargo destined for the region via feeder vessels from Rotterdam to Mediterranean ports.

However, the total throughput of the breakbulk market segment, including Roll-on/Roll-off and other breakbulk, experienced a slight decline of 1.9% to 7.8 million tonnes. Specifically, Roll-on/Roll-off throughput decreased by 3.8% to 6.3 million tonnes compared to the first quarter of last year, mainly due to ongoing challenges in volumes to the UK. Conversely, other breakbulk saw a notable increase of 7.4% to 1.5 million tonnes.

Dry bulk throughput experienced a 4.5% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2023. Meanwhile, liquid bulk throughput saw a 3.1% decline, amounting to 52.6 million tonnes.

“The throughput figures show limited imports of raw materials and exports of finished products. This tells us that European industrial production is still suffering from high energy prices and low demand from the biggest declining sectors such as construction and the processing and automotive industries. From the growth in container throughput, we see the first signs that world trade is picking up. However, these tentative signs remain highly uncertain due to rising global tensions,” stated Boudewijn Siemons, CEO & Interim COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Source: Container News

Truckparkings Rotterdam Exploitatie (TRE) and the Port of Rotterdam Authority opened the first charging station for electric trucks in the Dutch port.

The new station is located at the Bodaanweg truck park in Waalhaven.

TRE has worked with the Port of Rotterdam Authority to install the first five charging points in the truck park, which can accommodate a total of eight electric trucks. The truck parks are designed to be safe and comfortable and there is 24/7 surveillance of parking and charging bays. Reservations are not yet necessary for charging, so e-trucks can report directly via the intercom at the entry point. E-trucks do not pay a parking fee but may use all the facilities of the secure truck park.

Ton Barten, director of TRE, stated, “Carriers can schedule smart combinations by, for example, charging their trucks while drivers stay in the truck park for mandatory rest. A comfortable, safe and easy switch to sustainable transport without any loss of time. This paves the way for carriers to become more sustainable and invest in an electric fleet.”

The project in Waalhaven was realised in cooperation with ABB E-mobility, Batenburg Techniek, KWS Infra, Stedin and VARO Energy, which manages the charging infrastructure for TRE. Additionally, the initiative is part of the Rijkswaterstaat Living Labs Heavy Duty Charging Stations programme.

Boudewijn Siemons, interim CEO and COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. commented, “Sustainable logistics is a key pillar of our strategy for a future-proof port with net zero CO2 emissions. Providing charging infrastructure for trucks can make the transport sector more sustainable. Electric cargo transport also contributes directly to better air quality in the port.”

A January 2022 TNO study commissioned by the Port of Rotterdam Authority shows that around 2,000 electric trucks can be expected in the port area by 2030. This will require about 50 charging points.

Companies like Innocent Drinks and Den Hartogh already put the first 50-tonne electric trucks into service in Rotterdam in 2021. In 2022, DFDS placed an order for more than 125 e-trucks in Europe, some of which will also be deployed in Rotterdam.

Source: Container News

Port of Rotterdam has seen a decrease in its container throughput during the first half of the year, handling 6.7 million TEUs, which translates to an 8.1% decline over the same period in 2022.

At the same time, Rotterdam’s box throughput fell by 9.3% in terms of tonnes reaching 64.4 million tonnes in the first six months of 2023.

Port of Rotterdam Authority believes the termination of volumes to and from Russia and the fall in imports from Asia are the main reasons for the container decline.

Meanwhile, roll-on/roll-off traffic (RoRo) dropped 3.2% to 13.3 million tonnes. In addition to declining demand due to high inflation and stockpiling, the RoRo segment is also affected by the weak UK economy, according to the port statement.

Additionally, the general cargo segment fell to 3.4 million tonnes, marking an 11.5% year-on-year fall. “The main reason is that a lot of general cargo is again being shipped in containers given the low container rates,” noted the Dutch port.

In the same period, the Port of Rotterdam Authority saw increased revenue but lower earnings and profits.

Revenue, mainly from port dues, and rental and leasehold income, was €4.3 million (US$4.8 million) higher than in the first half of 2022 climbing at €416.5 million (US$465 million). However, operating expenses have also risen by €10.2 million (US$11.4 million) to €134.6 million (US$149 million).

As a result, earnings before tax, interest, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell by €5.9 million (US$6.5 million) to €281.9 million (US$316.3 million) and the net result was down €26.1 million (US$29 million) at €116.5 million (US$130 million).

Source: Container News