Throughput in the port of Rotterdam fell by 1.7% in 2025 to 428.4 million tons., Europe’s largest port reported.
The largest decline of 6.5% occurred in the dry bulk segment. The liquid bulk segment saw a decline of 1.5%. Container throughput showed growth of 3.1% in TEU, reaching 14.2 million TEU. In terms of tonnage, container throughput decreased by 0.2%.
In the second half of the year, signs of recovery were visible in all segments. Concerns about the lagging investment in industry by the business community remain high. Over the past twelve months, a number of chemical companies announced plans to close their factories in Rotterdam, and investments in new and ongoing projects have been halted, primarily in renewable fuels.
The measures taken by the government in 2025 are positive, but insufficient to level the playing field in the Netherlands with that in Europe. Additionally, competition from countries such as China remains evident. The Port Authority’s financial results remained stable. The Port Authority’s investments amounted to €291.4 million.
Commented Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority: “We look back on a challenging year, in which chemical and logistics companies in our port were under considerable pressure and European industry was affected by increasing global competition. All this took place against a backdrop of further escalating geopolitical tensions. It is precisely under such circumstances that a well-functioning port remains essential to the prosperity, economic development and strategic relevance of the Netherlands and Europe. A continued focus on resilience, agility and intensive cooperation at national and European level is crucial in this regard – both for the supply chain and for industry.”
(Photo from Port of Rotterdam)