Port of Rotterdam Container Throughput Remains Nearly Flat as Transshipment Volumes Fall 20%

Port of Rotterdam

The Port of Rotterdam handled a total of 323.2 million tonnes of cargo in the first nine months of 2026, up 0.9% year on year, according to the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Container throughput edged up 0.1% in TEU terms. However, measured by weight, container volumes declined 2.2%. Performance varied significantly across cargo segments: transshipment volumes fell sharply, while container movements to and from the European hinterland continued to expand.

Transshipment Volumes Fall Sharply as Hinterland Container Flows Grow

Transshipment container volumes at the Port of Rotterdam fell 20% in the first nine months of the year. According to the Port of Rotterdam Authority, capacity constraints at deep-sea container terminals forced some cargo to shift to other ports. At the same time, this shift created additional room for container traffic serving the European hinterland.

More specifically, container volumes moving to and from the hinterland increased 7.2%. Loaded imports were the main driver, rising 8.9%, while loaded exports grew at a more modest rate of 1%. The gap between import and export growth also contributed to a continued increase in empty container volumes.

Bulk Cargo Supports Overall Throughput Growth

Dry bulk throughput increased 2.1%, driven mainly by stronger coal volumes and demand for construction materials. Coal throughput rose 15.3%, while iron ore and scrap volumes declined 5.9%.

Liquid bulk throughput grew 3.1%. Crude oil volumes increased 2.1%, while petroleum product volumes rose 11.1%.

By contrast, liquefied natural gas (LNG) throughput edged down 0.2%, while breakbulk cargo volumes fell 1.4%.

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, emphasized the importance of reliable transport connections as trade flows across Europe continue to evolve.

“Reliable infrastructure is the basis for economic growth and a resilient supply chain,” he said.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority also stressed the need for continued investment in road, rail and inland waterway connections. These links help maintain cargo flows between the port and its hinterland while supporting the continuity of European supply chains.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Container News)

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