Cargo turnover of the port of Rotterdam in 2009 falls 8,5% - to 385 million tones

Throughput of the largest European port of Rotterdam in 2009, according to preliminary year-end figures, has dropped 8,5% compared with last year - to 385 million tones, the port authorities said. Import cargoes turnover declined by 13% - to 272 million tones, while export cargoes increased by 5% - up to 113 million tons.

The volume of transshipment of general cargo has fallen 9%, container cargoes by 6%. Positive trends have been reported only in oil products transshipment, with its growth at 23% (13 million tons).

Rotterdam is one of the top European port hubs of total area 10.5 thousand ha. The port has infrastructure designed to service ocean lines, feeder lines, pipelines, rail and road transport.

(Source: Port News)