Hutchison Port Holdings Trust recorded a 1% year-on-year decrease in total throughput at its deepwater ports in 2015, according to official statistics released by the company.

In particular, the combined throughput of Hongkong International Terminals, COSCO-HIT Terminals and Asia Container Terminals fell 6%. HPH Trust attributed the drop at HIT to weaker transhipment and intra-Asia cargo.

Yantian International Container Terminals, on the other hand, achieved a growth of 4% compared to 2014, which the company said was mainly driven by US, transhipment and empty cargo, even though Europe showed a decline.

According to HPH Trust, its handling volume is highly dependent on the US and European economies. It is therefore anticipating a mild increase in US outbound cargo, but isn’t expecting any major improvement in Europe.

HPH Trust is also expecting to benefit from the continuous addition of mega-vessels to shipping lines because its natural deepwater channels and handling capabilities make it the preferred port of call, according to the company.

Overall, management is cautious on 2016 volumes and will continue focusing on improvements to tariffs and costs, said HPH Trust.