Throughput in the port of Rotterdam decreased by 4.1% in the first half of 2025. This brought the total throughput to 211.0 million tonnes. The largest decline was in dry bulk (-8.9%) and liquid bulk (-5.3%) segments. Container throughput showed growth of 2.7% in TEU.
In terms of tonnage, the container segment showed a decline of 1.0%. The lack of investment in the industry by the market is a cause for concern for the Port Authority. Although the government has taken positive steps recently to bring the playing field for Dutch industry more in line with that of neighbouring countries, additional measures are necessary. The announced closure of a number of chemical companies, and with it the loss of hundreds of jobs in the first half of 2025, confirms these concerns. The Port Authority’s financial results and investments show stable development.
Weakened competitive position of European industry remains a cause for concern
- Cargo throughput decreased by 4.1%
- Container throughput increased in TEU (2.7%) and decreased in tonnage (1.0%)
- Investments in industry lag behind due to lack of favourable conditions
- Port Authority continues developing a resilient and safe port
- Operating result for Port of Rotterdam Authority stable
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority: “In recent months, we as a port have been confronted with economic uncertainties, lagging investments, and disruptions in supply chains. In these turbulent times, as a port, we must ensure that the security of supply of energy, food, and other essential materials in Europe remains guaranteed. It is also very important that industry in the port remains competitive so as not to weaken Europe’s strategic autonomy.”