Port of Rotterdam handles 5.4% more goods

The handling of goods in the port of Rotterdam increased by 5.4% in the first nine months.

Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority, commented: "The growth is almost entirely due to the increase in the handling of crude oil and oil products. Most other types of goods were handled in similar quantities as last year. Since oil represents about half of the throughput, the port achieved a good growth rate. Dry bulk is usually a fairly stable industry, but currently the handling of iron ore and agri bulk is lagging behind somewhat. In the container sector, growth opportunities are currently still limited because the new terminals are not yet operating at full speed."

The throughput of crude oil increased by 8.5%. Main reason is the low price of oil, which ensures good margins as a result of which refineries are processing more crude oil than last year. This applies not only to the five refineries in Rotterdam and the five in Germany, Antwerp and Vlissingen, which are supplied from Rotterdam, but also those in Russia. Especially the latter produce a relatively large amount of fuel oil, which is shipped to the Far East via Rotterdam. This is the main reason that the handling of oil products increased by 22.1%. The throughput of LNG almost doubled. As gas prices in Asia have dropped significantly and are now comparable to those in Europe, the supply here is increasing. In absolute terms, the handling volume of LNG is still limited. Other liquid bulk decreased by 1.2%. In total, 12.5% more liquid bulk was handled.

Regarding dry bulk, a downward trend was seen across the board and measured in TEU, the handling of containers in the first nine months as 1.0% higher than last year.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/15102015/port-of-rotterdam-handles-5-more-goods-1413/