Freight News, Sea


Rotterdam traffic nudges up

[ October 16, 2026   //   ]

Total throughput in the port of Rotterdam rose by 0.9% in the first nine months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, to 323.2 million tonnes. This was primarily due to increased throughput of coal, other dry bulk, crude oil and mineral oil products. There was a fall in containers (in tonnage), iron ore and scrap, agribulk, LNG, other liquid bulk and breakbulk.

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority: “The throughput figures show that the port of Rotterdam is continually adapting itself to changing circumstances. Although low water levels, shifting energy flows and pressure on European industry have impacted various markets, we are seeing growth in major freight flows to and from the European hinterland.  At the same time, we are noticing how important strong hinterland connections are for Europe’s security of supply and competitiveness. For this reason, it is important that we continue to invest in future-proof road, waterway and rail networks. Reliable infrastructure is the basis for economic growth and a resilient supply chain.”

Iron ore and scrap decreased by 5.9%, due to low water levels on European rivers leading to steel manufacturers relying more on existing stocks, while less scrap was available for export via Rotterdam. Coal throughput increased by 15.3%, mainly attributable to a recovery in the throughput of coking coal intended for European steel production, from the exceptionally low level recorded in 2025.

Crude oil throughput increased by 2.1% as European refineries have begun importing and processing more crude oil following the loss of oil product imports from the Middle East following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Container throughput in TEU remained at a similar level to a year earlier, with a slight growth of 0.1% in the first nine months of 2026 but in tonnes it fell by 2.2%. Due to long-standing capacity restraints at deep-sea terminals in Rotterdam, more cargo is being handled via other ports.

Ro ro volumes grew slightly by 0.7% as a result of a continued weak economic performance in the UK. The throughput of other breakbulk declined by 10.2%, as a result of the prolonged stagnation of the European manufacturing industry, especially the machine-building and automotive industries.

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