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Port of Rotterdam throughput falls by 1.1%

Published by , Editorial Assistant
Dry Bulk,


Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority said: “After exceptional 4.9% growth in 2015, we have to be content that most sectors have been able to equal or even slightly exceed these volumes in 2016. The Rotterdam port and industrial complex is facing huge challenges, in particular digitisation and energy transition as well as stiff competition from surrounding ports. Divergent trends provide reassurance that the complex can handle these challenges, such as the major investments in various refineries, a number of projects that should shape energy transition and the new container line sailing schedules that are favourable to Rotterdam.”

 

Paul Smits, CFO Port of Rotterdam Authority: “With turnover remaining virtually the same and increased profit thanks to good cost management, 2016 was, from a financial viewpoint, a healthy and stable year. Investments rose by 16% and they are at least expected to be comparable to 2016 levels over the next few years. At the same time the Port Authority is obliged to pay corporate tax from 2017 onwards. We shall not allow our clients to suffer as a consequence, so we shall be focusing strongly on our costs.

Dry bulk

Throughput of ores and scrap dropped by 7.8% to 31.2 million t. The main reason for this was the dumping of Chinese steel. On the upside, there was an increase in the export of scrap to Turkey, which has announced anti-dumping measures. The amount of coal handled dropped by 7.3% to 28.4 million t. The most significant causes are the closure of coal-fired plants in the Netherlands and the increased generation of wind and solar power. More agricultural products were received from Europe and fewer from overseas, which meant throughput of agricultural bulk fell by 3.6% to 10.4 million t. The amount of other dry bulk goods fell by 1.4% to 12.2 million t due to fewer raw materials being shipped for construction and industry. All in all, dry bulk fell 6.2% to 82.3 million t.

Forecast

The Port Authority expects throughput volume in 2017 to remain at a comparable level to that of 2016. Container handling is expected to continue on an upward trend. It is uncertain whether the other sectors will equal the 2016 results.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/10022017/port-of-rotterdam-throughput-falls-by-11-after-record-year-in-2015/

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