Europe’s largest port is urging policymakers to provide market certainty to drive investment in European strategic autonomy and decarbonisation.
The Port of Rotterdam reported a 0.7% decline in overall volumes in 2024 and called on the European Commission and the Dutch government to remove barriers and enhance industrial competitiveness in Europe and the Netherlands.
The port cited uncertain market conditions, rising cyber threats, and supply chain disruptions due to global tensions. Additionally, it faces local challenges, including nitrogen regulations, grid congestion, organised crime, and employment concerns.
Creating predictable and competitive market conditions is crucial for encouraging investment in port decarbonisation and securing Europe’s strategic economy, the port stated.
“In the run-up to the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal and the Spring Budget, the Port of Rotterdam Authority—together with international partners—is calling on the European Commission and the Dutch government to strengthen the competitiveness of European and Dutch industry and to remove barriers. The focus should be on reinforcing international supply chains and industrial clusters,” the Port of Rotterdam Authority said in a statement.
The appeal follows the port’s report of a total throughput of 435.8 million tonnes in 2024, down 0.7% from 2023, primarily due to lower coal and crude oil volumes.
Container throughput, however, rose by 2.8% to 13.8 million TEU, with a 2.5% increase in tonnage to 133.4 million tonnes. The port attributed this growth to increased consumer spending in Europe, supported by declining inflation and wage indexation that adjusted incomes higher in response to the rising cost of living.
Breakbulk volumes fell by 3.7%, with stable ro-ro volumes. A decline in steel and non-ferrous metals led to a 10% drop in the “other breakbulk” segment, partly due to sanctions on Russian aluminium and lower demand from European industry.
Dry bulk throughput saw a modest 0.8% increase, with iron ore and scrap volumes rising by 5.7% due to higher German steel production, iron ore re-exports, and stockpiling.
Other dry bulk, including industrial minerals, non-ferrous ores, fertilisers, and salt, rose by 21.5%.
“This is remarkable, as industrial production remains under pressure and demand for raw materials is not growing,” said the Port of Rotterdam Authority. “The growth in this segment is a response to the sharp decline in 2023 and is more about stock replenishment than structural demand growth.”
Coal throughput declined by 18%, pressured by lower gas prices and increased renewable energy output.
Bulk liquid throughput fell by 2.7% to 200 million tonnes, with crude oil throughput declining by 4.5% to 97.8 million tonnes due to refinery maintenance in Rotterdam and its hinterlands. Diesel throughput decreased due to lower demand, while LNG throughput dropped by 5.3% as Europe maintained high stock levels.
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