Total throughput at the Port of Rotterdam grew by almost 7% in the first half of 2015 thanks to a surge in oil products movements.
The port attributed their growth by the increased throughput of oil products, which increased by almost 30% as well as the 8.3% increase in crude oil throughput.
"The growth was almost entirely accounted for by the throughput of oil products (+29.7%), crude oil (+8.3%), containers (+3.7% in TEU) and roll-on/roll-off-transport (+9.6%). The throughput of dry bulk (agricultural bulk, coal, ores) fell across the board. For the first time since 2010, the number of sea-going vessels increased considerably (+3%)," says a press statement.
Additionally, for the first time in five years, the number of sea-going vessels increases by 3%, which reflects the surge of VLCCs being used to store crude due to the buoyant conditions of the contango market.
In the first half of the year, the port did not experience any significant nautical incidents.
The prospects for the development of the port are reasonably favourable. The Port of Rotterdam Authority will continue to concentrate on mature markets (such as refining and chemicals), growth markets (such as containers and LNG) and new markets (such as offshore and bio-based).
But the growth, innovation and expansion of activities in the port will not come about of their own accord. There is stiff competition with other ports and the business world has to do its utmost to achieve results.