According to the results of 2019, the cargo turnover of the port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) amounted to 469.4 million tons, which is almost the same as in 2018, the press service of the port administration said.

In the bulk cargo segment in 2019, volumes (211.2 million tons) remained almost at the level of the previous reporting year (211.8 million tons). Oil transshipment increased by 3.9%, exceeding 100 million tons for the fifth year in a row.

The volume of transshipment of petroleum products decreased as a result of a decrease in imports and exports of fuel oil.

Transshipment of dry bulk and bulk cargo decreased by 4% – to 74.5 million tons (in 2018 – 77.6 million tons). Coal transshipment volumes fell by 14.8%, which is explained by a significant decrease in the share of coal in electricity production in the Netherlands and Germany, since both countries generate more energy from alternative sources (solar, wind energy) and gas. The reduction in coking coal transshipment was affected by a decrease in steel production in Germany. Processing of iron ore and scrap at the port during the reporting period remained at the level of 2018. In contrast, biomass transshipment increased by 62.8%, mainly due to the import of wood pellets for co-burning at coal-fired power plants.

The port’s container turnover increased by 2.1% and amounted to 14.8 million TEU.

Handling of RoRo cargo in 2019 increased slightly (+ 0.8%), transshipment of piece cargo increased by 2.9%.

Last year, the Port of Rotterdam invested in a total of 338.3 million euros in various projects, including joint investments (in 2018 – 408.1 million). Major investment projects included the construction of a container route (CER) in the port district of Maasvlakte, the reorientation of part of the port railway line through the Themsweg route and the construction of new berth walls for the Hartel tanker terminal.

For the reporting period, port administration revenues after taxes amounted to 241 million euros (in 2018 – 254.1 million). Income from port charges increased slightly, rents decreased slightly. The largest income item – land rent decreased by 2.2% – to 365.5 million euros. On the contrary, the replenishment of the budget from port dues paid by ships at the port, increased by 0.6% – up to 304.3 million euros.

In accordance with existing agreements, the Port of Rotterdam administration proposes to pay 98.5 million euros (40%) to shareholders in the form of dividends for 2019: the city of Rotterdam (70.83% / 69.8 million euros) and the Dutch government (29.17% / EUR 28.7 million).

Rotterdam is the largest European port hub with a developed infrastructure designed to serve ocean services, feeder lines, pipelines, rail and road transport. The port has about 120 terminals. The annual cargo turnover of the port of Rotterdam averages 450 million. 70% of the port’s shares belong to the city municipality, 30% to the state. In 2018, the port handled 469 million tons of various cargoes, and for the first half of 2019 – 240.7 million tons.