Slight Decrease in Activity at Port of Rotterdam

During the initial quarter of the year, the Port of Rotterdam, known as the premier sea port in Europe, saw a modest decline in its operations, with a 1.5% decrease in throughput compared to the preceding quarter.

Data from MarineTraffic AIS indicated a 1.2% fall in commercial fleet arrivals at Rotterdam in the first quarter of 2024, as opposed to the same period in 2023.

This downturn is largely ascribed to the broader economic deceleration and rising inflation rates, with the container sector particularly impacted.

The port's CEO, Allard Castelein, remarked that the container segment experienced a significant drop, exacerbated by the difficult economic backdrop and inflationary challenges.

However, the port did see expansions in other operational areas, notably shifting its strategy to reduce dependence on Russian energy, in line with enforced sanctions.

Castelein anticipates a slight decline in the port's total volumes over the course of the year, attributing this expectation to geopolitical strife and persistent inflationary pressures.