In 2024, the Port of Rotterdam experienced a slight decrease in overall throughput, with a 0.7% decline. This resulted in a total throughput of 435.8 million tonnes, down from 438.8 million tonnes in the previous year. The primary drivers of this decrease were reductions in coal and crude oil handling. However, the port did see growth in its container segment, reports Port Of Rotterdam.
Increased Consumer Spending
The Port of Rotterdam experienced a 2.8% increase in throughput, reaching 13.8 million TEU, driven by increased consumer spending. Throughput also rose in the iron ore & scrap, mineral oil products, and other dry bulk segments. The Port Authority reported a strong financial year, enabling significant infrastructure investments for a future-proof port. These investments include the commencement of the Porthos CO2 transport and storage project, and enhancements to the port’s digital resilience through a national cybersecurity platform and the Secure Chain rollout.
Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Boudewijn Siemons stated that the port remained stable amidst turbulent international conditions, including geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts impacting the global economy. While economic growth in Europe lagged, affecting throughput and business investments, the port demonstrated resilience and continued investing in its future.
The Port Authority is committed to developing a sustainable port that integrates with its surroundings. Strengthening the connection between the city and the port is a priority. New collaborations have been established with partners in Rotterdam South, and investments continue through the Port Environment Fund to improve the living environment. The Port Authority also launched a pilot program with port consultation hours for residents and completed the construction of the Portlantis port experience center.
Energy Transition
The Port of Rotterdam has initiated several projects to advance the energy transition. Construction has commenced on the Porthos CO2 transport and storage project, with the compressor station construction beginning in the latter half of the year. Starting in 2026, captured CO2 will be pressurized at this station and transported via an offshore pipeline to a depleted gas field in the North Sea. The construction of a hydrogen pipeline and Shell’s hydrogen plant are also underway. Furthermore, new shore power agreements have been signed with container terminals on the Maasvlakte, and the shore power installation for the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam is nearing completion, with commissioning planned for spring 2025.
Clarification has been provided regarding the Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC) development. Although a four-year delay for hydrogen and CO2 pipelines was announced earlier in the year, a decision was made to prioritize these infrastructures. The hydrogen pipeline is now projected for completion in 2031/2032, and the CO2 pipeline in 2032/2033. The Port of Rotterdam Authority supports this decision and advocates for further acceleration, emphasizing the vital role of these connections in the sustainability of Rotterdam’s industry and the European hinterland.
The port requires more infrastructure and innovative solutions to alleviate pressure on the electricity grid to support the sustainability transition of Rotterdam’s industry. Companies within the port complex face challenges related to permits, nitrogen regulations, high electricity tariffs, energy prices, slow market development, and limited space. Therefore, the Port of Rotterdam Authority supports the call for a clear and consistent industrial policy and reduced regulatory pressure from the Dutch government and the EU to facilitate the energy and raw materials transition, retain industry, and enable transformation.
Digitization Drive
In 2024, the Port of Rotterdam made strides in bolstering its resilience and the broader supply chain. Recognizing the growing cyber threat to ports and the interconnectedness of supply chain participants, the Dutch Seaports Association (BOZ), comprising Groningen Seaports, North Sea Port, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Moerdijk, and Port of Amsterdam, has decided to collaborate with regional companies to enhance digital resilience. Stichting FERM, which previously served the ports of Rotterdam and Moerdijk, will be transformed into a national cybersecurity platform for all BOZ member ports.
To combat drug-related crime, the Port Authority supports the rollout of the Secure Chain. This public-private partnership aims to strengthen the digital resilience of supply chains against crime and theft. The Secure Chain operates on the principle of explicit identification of each subsequent link in the supply chain, preventing unlawful container collection from terminals. All major shipping lines and container terminals now participate in the Secure Chain, which has securely and reliably handled over 630,000 import containers in Rotterdam since its implementation. The final shipping regions, Asia and Oceania, will be integrated into the system in February 2025.
Improving Competitiveness
Ongoing global tensions have created unpredictable market conditions, escalated cyber threats, and disrupted supply chains for the Port of Rotterdam and its industrial complex. Locally, challenges persist, including organized crime, nitrogen regulations, grid congestion, and employment concerns. The port is actively adapting to these circumstances to maintain its competitive edge and continue providing economic and social value to the Netherlands and Europe.
To ensure a successful transition to a climate-neutral port, strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy, and secure supply chains, predictable and competitive market conditions are essential for investments in industrial sustainability. In anticipation of the Clean Industrial Deal and the Spring Budget, the Port Authority, in collaboration with international partners, is urging the European Commission and the Dutch government to enhance the competitiveness of European and Dutch industries and eliminate existing obstacles. The focus should be on reinforcing international supply chains and industrial clusters.
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Source: Port Of Rotterdam
