In 2018, the overall volume of incoming and outgoing cargo shipments to and from Dutch seaports achieved a historic high of approximately 605 million tonnes. This marks an increase of more than 1.5%, compared to 2017. In addition, at 4.5%, container transhipment also marked the highest increase, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS) newly released figures.
Specifically, two-thirds of cargo handling in Dutch seaports included unloaded goods in 2018. Three-quarters of these goods regarded dry bulk or liquid bulk. Moreover, incoming container shipments grew by 6%. Total weight of all loaded cargo rose by 1.3%.
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In addition, over the past two decades, exports from Dutch seaports have more than doubled, while inbound shipments have increased by over one-quarter the same period. For 2018, total throughput surpassed the barrier of 600 million tonnes for the first time, while the threshold of 500 million tonnes was exceeded for the first time in 2007.
Moreover, the share of containers in total cargo handling continues to grow from 14% in 1998 to 21% twenty years later. Imports and exports are more or less equal in terms of size and trend. Container handling saw an increase of 4.5% in 2018, while imports grew 6%, with exports also increasing by about 3%.
In relation to imported container goods in 2018, almost 20% came from China. Russia and the UK follow with shares of 7.4 and 5.7%. Imports from China decreased 12% in comparison to 2017. Imports from Russia and the UK grew by 32 and 43%.
Furthermore, the weight of transhipped bulk goods did not rise in 2018. Tonnage of unloaded dry and liquid bulk increased, with outbound liquid bulk was up by more than 2%. Additionally, exports of dry bulk reduced by almost 12%.
Regarding bulk goods, their dominance in seaports is falling, as in 1998, three-quarters of all handled goods were in bulk, while this share was 68%t last year. The flow of dry bulk was more or less stable during this period and amounted to about 140 million tonnes.
Finally, three-quarters of goods are loaded and unloaded in the Port of Rotterdam, which also includes the ports of Moerdijk, Dordrecht and Vlaardingen. In 2018, both flows were up by around 1%. Over 16% of goods are handled in the Amsterdam port area, with throughput rising by 1%. The number of unloaded goods in the seaports of Zeeland Seaports and Groningen Seaports increased by over 10% in 2018.
