Record transhipment of more than 97.4 million tonnes in 2014
The seaports in the North Sea Canal Area, which includes the ports of Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Beverwijk and Zaanstad, realised record transhipment of more than 97.4 million tonnes in 2014 according to the provisional figures.
This represents an increase of 1.7% compared to 2013 when transhipment stood at more than 95.8 million tonnes. Total transhipment in the port of Amsterdam amounted to 79.7 million tonnes in 2014. This is an increase of 1.4% compared to 2013 (78.5 million tonnes) and also sets a new record.
The provisional transhipment figures for the other North Sea Canal ports are as follows. Transhipment in IJmuiden rose by 3% to 17.3 million tonnes in 2014. Transhipment in Beverwijk decreased by 9% to approximately 0.2 million tonnes, while it rose in Zaanstad by 17% to approximately 0.2 million tonnes.
Developments in transhipment in Amsterdam
The transhipment of liquid bulk cargo rose by more than 2% to 42 million tonnes (2013: 41.1 million tonnes). The transhipment of dry bulk cargo increased by approximately 1% to 34.4 million tonnes (2013: 33.7 million). Within this segment, the transhipment of coal rose by 8% and the transhipment of agribulk decreased by 5%. Container and mixed cargo transhipment decreased by 11% to 3.3 million tonnes, with the transhipment of automobiles, Ro/Ro and other mixed cargo falling by 13% and the transhipment of container cargo decreasing by 4% (57,000 TEUs).
Imports rose by 1% to nearly 52.8 million tonnes in Amsterdam. Exports increased by 2% to 26.9 million tonnes.
Cruise calls
The number of sea cruise ship calls decreased to 126 (2013:137). This decrease is attributable to a combination of the Noordersluis lock, which is on the small side for the new generation of cruise ships, and strong winds. The number of river cruise ship calls rose by 14% to 1,685 in 2014.
Havenbedrijf Amsterdam NV CEO Dertje Meijer:
“2014 was a successful year on a number of fronts. Over the past year we saw a positive decision be reached with respect to the new large sea lock, finalised our Vision 2030 in collaboration with our stakeholders and obtained a number of environmental permits that can be an impetus for our activities by, for example, providing greater scope for lighterage within the existing environmental limits. It is fantastic to be able to conclude the year with these transhipment figures. The focus in 2015 will be primarily on the preparations for SAIL Amsterdam 2015, the roll-out of our Vision 2030 and the preparations for the construction of the new large sea lock.“
Source: Port of Amsterdam