The Port of Rotterdam recorded a 4.1 percent decline in total throughput to 211 million tons in the first half of 2025. According to a press release, the dry bulk (–8.9%) and liquid bulk (–5.3%) sectors were particularly affected. In contrast, the container segment saw an increase in throughput by 2.7 percent to seven million TEU. However, measured in tons, container throughput fell by one percent.
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority: “In recent months, we, as a port, have been faced with economic uncertainties, investment backlog, and supply chain disruptions. In these turbulent times, we must ensure that Europe’s supply security of energy, food, and other vital goods remains guaranteed. It is also of great importance that the port industry remains competitive to not weaken Europe’s strategic autonomy.”
Development in Goods Segments
The decline in dry bulk is primarily attributed to decreasing volumes of coal (–21.1%) and iron ore and scrap (–12.2%). In contrast, the throughput of agribulk increased significantly by 18.6 percent, driven by higher imports such as soybeans, soybean meal, and rapeseed.
In the liquid bulk segment, an increase in crude oil deliveries to German refineries (+2.6%) provided stabilization. However, mineral oil products (–21.5%) and other liquid bulk goods (–5.9%) recorded declines. LNG throughput increased by nine percent as a result of the continued replenishment of European gas storage facilities.
In container traffic, increased import demand
from Asia (+8.4%) as well as North America (+9.1%) led to a rise in TEU numbers. At the same time, the number of full export containers fell by five percent, while the proportion of empty containers increased. The breakbulk segment increased overall by 1.3 percent to 16 million tons, with RoRo traffic growing by 0.9 percent. A slight increase of three percent was recorded in other breakbulk, including offshore components for wind projects.
Challenges in Container Throughput
Container logistics faced significant challenges in the first six months of the year. Reasons for this included schedule adjustments, shifting alliances, weather-related disruptions, and work stoppages. These resulted in extended waiting times, especially in inland shipping and road transport. The situation on the sea side remained largely stable. The port authority sees a need for structural action and focuses on closer cooperation within the logistics chain and more efficient use of existing infrastructure.
Finances and Investments
Financially, the half-year was stable for the port authority. Revenues rose by 5.2 percent to 462.3 million euros. Port fee revenues increased by 5.4 percent, and those from orders by 3.8 percent. The revenue increase is due in part to inflation adjustments and a changed tariff structure.
Operating expenses increased by 19.4 million euros, due to higher personnel costs from a new collective agreement and higher IT-related operating costs. EBITDA rose slightly by 1.1 percent to 295 million euros.
However, net profit decreased by 4.7 million euros to 143.6 million euros. Causes included a changed accounting treatment of IT costs and a one-time reduced tax burden the previous year.
Investments totaled 136 million euros in the first half of the year – a decline of 17 percent compared to the previous period. The port authority cites delays in project implementation and a lack of special effects such as the acquisition of nitrogen rights as reasons.
Advances in Sustainability Projects
Despite the economically tense environment, several infrastructure projects for emission reduction were further advanced. In the CCS project Porthos, the construction of land pipelines was completed, and the construction of the offshore infrastructure has begun. A former gas production platform in the North Sea is being prepared for CO₂ injection. Porthos is expected to be operational in 2026.
As of March 31, 2025, the shore power facility for cruise ships at the Holland America Quay started operations. It already meets the EU requirements set to apply from 2030. Around 75 percent of cruise ships should be able to be powered from the shore in the first year.
Education and Social Commitment
On March 22, the port experience center “Portlantis” was opened. Since then, 25,000 people have visited the center, including 8,000 pupils and students. Additionally, the port authority supports the Youth Education Fund with an annual 150,000 euros until 2028 and the
deployment of volunteers. The goal is to improve educational opportunities for children from low-income households in Southern Rotterdam.
Safety and Digitalization
In view of the global security situation, the Port of Rotterdam is increasingly preparing for a possible role in defense logistics. This will include providing additional infrastructure for military transports.
In cybersecurity, the port remained free of disruptions in critical systems in the first half of the year. The Port of Rotterdam Authority relies on close cooperation with partners and authorities to strengthen digital resilience. The FERM Foundation has been acting as the national platform for the five major seaports in the Netherlands since the start of the year.
The use of drones in the port area is increasing. A digital airspace management system is being tested to coordinate manned and unmanned flight movements and minimize safety risks.
Industry Conditions
The port authority continues to view the current investment climate in the Netherlands critically. Despite individual political measures – such as the abolition of the plastic tax, the reactivation of the IKC-ETS program, and the suspension of the CO₂ tax – structural problems such as grid bottlenecks, high energy prices, and regulatory uncertainties hinder the industry’s willingness to invest.
The port emphasizes the importance of a competitive industry for supply security, strategic autonomy, and employment in the Netherlands. The port authority calls for a long-term, industry-coordinated strategy at the national and
