The port of Rotterdam reported that goods volumes recovered in the second half year, limiting the decline in annual volume. However, it does not expect to return to pre-COVID levels in 2021.
During the first half year, total throughput fell by 9.1%, but in the second half year, that fall was 4.6% by comparison with the same period last year. Consequently, the decrease for 2020 as a whole was limited to 6.9%.
The changes in volume were largely attributable to the COVID-19 recession. Above-average volume decreases were seen in iron ore, coal, crude oil and mineral oil products. Rises were seen in the throughput of agribulk and biomass.
What is more, the Port reported progres in the hydrogen chain with the preparations for the installation of electrolysers at the conversion park, the construction of a central pipeline through the port area and the gearing up of hydrogen imports.
In addition, the European Commission has decided that the Porthos project qualifies for a grant of € 102 million. This grant is part of the Connecting Europe Facility for energy infrastructure established by the European Union to support the development of energy from renewable sources.
Moreover, ZES was launched in June, an alliance involving the Port Authority, ING, Engie, and Wärtsilä. ZES leases exchangeable battery containers (ZES-Packs) to inland shipping operators.
Finally, the Port of Rotterdam reported an expansion of shore-power capacity, including in the Caland Canal for Heerema crane vessels. The City of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are working together on the roll-out of shore power for seagoing vessels. The aim is to ensure that a large proportion of the seagoing vessels will be ‘plugged in’ while berthed.
Commenting on what the future holds, the Port believes that much will depend on the speed and effectiveness of national vaccination campaigns. If those vaccination programmes are effective, world trade can be expected to revive. However, it notes that a return to pre-COVID in 2021 is unlikely given the subdued outlook for economic recovery. International travel, for example, is expected to remain limited this year, and there will be therefore less demand for oil.
Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, also commented that:
The day-to-day mindset of the business community in the port of Rotterdam when it comes to maintaining our strong competitive position and leading role means we can be confident about the future of the port. This is where the money for tomorrow will be earned, which is why the Port Authority itself is expecting to invest around € 1.5 billion in the next five years in the energy transition, digitalisation and infrastructure
