Rotterdam Containers Jump 17 Percent

Europe's top container hub on track to match record volume of 2008

Oct 22. -- Container traffic in Rotterdam increased 17 percent in the first nine months of 2010 from a year ago to 8.4 million 20-foot equivalent units, putting Europe's top container hub on track to match the record volume of 2008.

Rotterdam slightly increased its lead over its closest rival Antwerp, which boosted container traffic 16.9 percent in the first three quarters of the year to 6.3 million TEUs.

Rotterdam's total throughput increased 13.4 percent to 321 million metric tons as almost all cargo sectors posted growth, led by a 112 percent surge in iron ore and scrap shipments to 31 million metric tons and a 31 percent rise in other dry bulk traffic to 9 million metric tons.

"The growth is leveling off, but is still slightly higher than expected," said Hans Smits, Chief Executive of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

"The port continues to profit from strong European exports, for which a lot of raw materials also need to be imported," Smits said.

"Total throughput is now exactly at the 2008 level … it is exciting to see whether or not we will succeed in climbing out of a deep trough to achieve a record in just one year."

Rotterdam handled a record 421 million metric tons in 2008 with container shipments hitting an all time high of 10.8 million TEUs.

Roll-on, roll-off traffic increased 6 percent in the first nine months to 13 million metric tons driven by the tentative recovery of the British economy. Growth could increase further in the fourth quarter due partly to the deployment of larger vessels, the port said.

Breakbulk and general cargo traffic recovered 14 percent to 5 million metric tons of steel, paper products, fruit, metals and project cargo.