Port of Rotterdam reported record number of container throughput last year as volumes seen were back to pre-pandemic level driven by continuing surge in consumer spending.
Europe's busiest container port shrugged off congestion issues and fewer ship arrivals to report "record" number of 15.3 million TEU containers in 2021 and a 7.3% increase in total throughput.
In a statement, it said total cargo throughput at the port in 2021 was at the same level as in 2019, the last year before the corona pandemic. Compared with 2020, throughput rose by 7.3% to 468.7 million tons.
Volumes back to pre-Covid level
It said all goods segments were up in response to the recovery of the economy, with the exception of agricultural bulk.
"In terms of throughput volume, the port is back to its pre-corona level. Companies in the container sector in particular performed excellently, handling a record number of containers despite all the problems this sector faced worldwide last year. We are now investing in the construction of additional terminal capacity on the Maasvlakte to further facilitate the container sector. I am also optimistic in other respects," said Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
In terms of he number of containers passing through the port of Rotterdam measured in TEUs, the gateway noted that the 15.3 million reported was 6.6% higher compared to the same period in 2020.
"Throughput in terms of the number of containers has never been higher in Rotterdam," the statement said. "A major reason for this is that the pandemic resulted in proportionally higher spending on goods than on services."
Port of Rotterdam noted that for example, restaurants and theatres were closed for part of 2021 and people spent less on holidays involving air travel.
2022 throughput to be "more or less the same"
Looking ahead, Port of Rotterdam expects volumes to be more or less at par with the numbers seen in 2021 — although it warned of persisting strain to the supply chain this year.
"In 2022, container logistics worldwide are expected to continue to suffer from the problems mentioned here for quite some time. The main cause, the corona pandemic, is still with us and structural adjustments will take time," the port said, adding that shipping companies are building more vessels but many of them will not be in service until 2023.
The gateway, itself, is implementing a series of expansion projects to boost its capacity.
It said last year, the Port Authority started on the construction of new quays for container terminals on Maasvlakte 2. In time, this will provide additional throughput capacity of approximately 5 million TEUs, among others.
"Total cargo throughput in 2022 is expected to be at more or less the same level as in 2021, in line with the trend in recent years. It should be noted that the economy (including the global economy) may of course be affected to a major extent by the course of the corona pandemic and possible geopolitical developments," Port of Rotterdam said.
"In the container segment specifically, the expectation is that the disruption of logistics will continue for a long time in 2022 but that Rotterdam's competitive position is favourable," it added.
The port said as far as the energy transition is concerned, crucial steps can be expected in the area of building infrastructure for CO2 transport and storage, infrastructure for hydrogen, and the production of hydrogen and biofuel — adding that the Port Authority will use its sound financial position to continue to invest in an efficient and sustainable port.