COVID-19 pandemic depresses cargo throughput at Port of Rotterdam
Port of Rotterdam achieved throughput of 218.9 million tonnes in the first six months of 2020, which is 9.1% less than in the first half of 2019, (which was a throughput record at the time).
Despite the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, production and logistics, Port of Rotterdam remained 100% operational. It said the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is the primary reason for the decrease in volume.
Half year highlights:
• Total throughput 218.9 million tonnes (-9.1%).
• Significant reduction in throughput of coal, ores and mineral oil products, small reduction in container throughput, increase in throughput of biomass and LNG.
• Revenue increased 0.7% to €360.4 million.
• Result on ordinary activities fell 4.8% to €128.4 million.
• The Port Authority’s “healthy financial position” makes it possible to continue to invest at a high level (gross investments amounted to €136.4 million), for example in the Theemsweg Route, Container Exchange Route and Maasvlakte Plaza.
• Partly at the request of the central government, the Port Authority reviewed investment projects that can both make the Netherlands more sustainable and accelerate the recovery of the economy.
Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “The Dutch economy and the Port of Rotterdam are dependent on developments in world trade. The negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt worldwide. It should therefore come as no surprise that throughput volumes in the past six months were considerably lower than in the same period last year.”
He added: “On the positive side, the throughput volumes in the second quarter turned out to be better than initially expected. Nevertheless, it is not in Rotterdam’s nature to sit back and watch. That is why the Port Authority has conducted a review to determine which public-private investment projects can be accelerated. In that way, the government and the port of Rotterdam can team up to further the sustainability of the economy, while giving it a kick-start at the same time.”
For more information visit www.portofrotterdam.com
27th July 2020
