Rotterdam throughput bottoms out

Hans Smits, Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO believes that the bottom of the cycle has now been reached and in the second half of the year he expects throughput to stabilise, bringing the decline for the whole year to approximately 12%. In 2010, Rotterdam will then be able to benefit from the predicted modest increase in world trade and contribute towards the recovery of growth in the Dutch economy.

“Despite the slump, our market share is actually increasing quite clearly and investment appears to be paying off. On the Maasvlakte, the container sector can push down costs through increases in scale and concentration. The Port Authority will therefore continue to invest in the current port area and Maasvlakte 2,” said Smits.