Port of Rotterdam sees increase in volume of freight during Q1

Port of Rotterdam sees increase in volume of freight during Q1

The Port of Rotterdam handled a three percent increase in the volume of freight handled during the first quarter of this year – amounting to a total of 115.8 million tonnes.

The increase over the same period last year could be observed in the volumes of biomass (+36.7 percent), coal (+25.2 percent) and mineral oil products (+19.7 percent) put through Rotterdam. Volumes declined in the segments LNG (-26.8 percent), agribulk (-8.6 percent) and other liquid bulk (-2.8 percent).

Oil product volumes at the Rotterdam terminals mainly increased thanks to stronger inbound and outbound flows of fuel oil and gas oil/diesel oil. Total throughput was significantly boosted by the loading of two VLCCs with fuel oil destined for Singapore.

The decline in LNG volumes is a result of decreased import flows. Higher price levels in Asia led to a growth in LNG transport to that market. The decrease in agri-bulk throughput can be attributed to ample stocks. Within the other liquid bulk segment, one could observe a modest increase in the throughput of biofuels. Vegetable bulk and chemical volumes, in contrast, decreased in Q1.

Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “Generally speaking, the increased throughput volume in the first quarter paints a positive picture. Nevertheless, these remain turbulent times for companies working in trade and logistics. At this point, the main challenge we are set before is handling the aftermath of the Suez blockage in terms of logistics. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is doing its utmost to support its clients – among other things by offering real-time surveys of ETAs at all the port’s deep-sea terminals.”

For more information visit www.portofrotterdam.com

4th May 2021