Port of Rotterdam handled less cargo in the first quarter than last year. This is reported by the port authority. The decrease mainly related to the transhipment of containers and goods. According to the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the decline already started in the course of 2022 due to the disappearance of Russian volumes. However, because the war in Ukraine only started at the end of February, the impact on throughput volumes in the first quarter of last year was still limited.
The throughput of containers and goods fell, while that in the categories mineral oil products, crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), iron ore & scrap, agribulk and coal increased. In total, 111.7 million tonnes were transhipped last quarter. That is 1.5 percent less than the 113.4 million tons in the same period in 2022.
‘As expected, the year 2023 started with a slight drop in throughput’
‘As expected, the year 2023 started with a slight drop in throughput,’ says CEO Allard Castelein of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. ‘Especially in the container segment we had to deal with a drop in volumes due to high inflation and a weakening economy. The results in the other segments mainly show growth and confirm that Russian energy flows have been further reduced in line with the sanctions.’
Castelein also expects a limited drop in throughput volumes for the rest of the year. This is mainly due to the uncertainties associated with the current geopolitical situation and high inflation.
