Europe's largest port has been operating 24/7 during 2020. Precisely in this corona year, when society at large has been severely disrupted, the port of Rotterdam has confirmed its role as a reliable partner in the logistics chain. Goods volumes recovered in the second half year, limiting the decline in annual volume last year to 6.9% by comparison with the previous year. The strong operating result has put the Port of Rotterdam Authority in a good position to implement an ambitious investment agenda in the years to come. That will have a major impact on employment, sustainability and society as a whole.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority's financial results were better than in 2019, mainly due to one-off income items and cost savings. The operating result before interest, depreciation and taxes was € 477.5 million (2019: € 433.4 million) and the net result was € 351.7 million (2019: € 238.9 million).
The volume of goods throughput in 2020 in the port of Rotterdam was 436.8 million tonnes. Rotterdam therefore continues to be the largest port in Europe by far. During the first half year, total throughput fell by 9.1%. However, in the second half year, that fall was 4.6% by comparison with the same period last year. Consequently, the decrease for 2020 as a whole was limited to 6.9%.
The changes in volume were largely attributable to the corona recession. Above-average volume decreases were seen in iron ore (-24.5%), coal (-22.8%), crude oil (-10.2%) and mineral oil products (-11.9%). The decline in containers was limited (-1.2% in tonnes, -3.2% in TEUs). Rises were seen in the throughput of agribulk (+4.8%) and biomass (+108.3%).
Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority: 'In an exceptional year, the port of Rotterdam was fully operational, allowing goods and raw materials to continue finding their way to consumers and businesses. I thank everyone who made a contribution: our clients, the nautical service providers and the logistical partners. My special thanks go to our colleagues at the Port Authority. Despite the corona crisis, the Port Authority booked a better financial result. Working with the government, the port's business community and partners, we have made major progress on the road to a sustainable energy system and the reduction of carbon emissions. In this way, we are having an impact. I am proud of these accomplishments.'
For more information:
Port of Rotterdam
World Port Center (WPC)
Wilhelminakade 909
3072 AP Rotterdam
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0)10 252 10 10