The port had been steadily progressing toward the level,
reaching 14.8 million TEU in 2019, before the pandemic interrupted growth
resulting in a three percent decline in 2020.
While European ports including Rotterdam have not seen the
same large surge in volumes experienced at the U.S. West Coast ports, they too
began a rapid recovery in volumes starting in the fall of 2020. Citing the
overall economic recovery and specifically strong consumer spending, Rotterdam
saw a nearly eight percent increase in container volumes for the first nine
months of 2021, while overcoming challenges in the global supply chain.
“This strong demand, together with the various disruptions
(e.g. Suez and outbreaks of coronavirus in Chinese ports) that we have faced
this year, means pressure on the logistics chain remains high,” said port
officials. Many of the containerships that were stuck when the Suez Canal was
blocked in the spring were destined to Rotterdam. However, working with the
major carriers, Rotterdam has shown strong progress in clearing the backlog.
Supply chain platform project44 recently reported a better than 11 percent
decline in port congestion at Rotterdam from October to November and recently
the 2M Alliance. Including Maersk and MSC, announced they were realigning
service on two of their routes focusing one on Rotterdam and the other on
Felixstowe to help alleviate port congestion.
While total container volume is up at Rotterdam. Port
officials highlighted another way the current high prices and capacity
constraints are impacting operations. They reported that volume is growing
faster than tonnage in part due to the increased number of empties being
shipped through the port. “However, the greatest effect could be put down to a
sharp decline in the average weight of full containers. Transport prices have
risen sharply over the past few quarters. Consequently, the transport of
relatively heavy, low-value freight has decreased,” the port said impacting
most noticeable export containers but it is also seen on the import side.
“In 2022, we expect the extreme congestion at the Rotterdam
container terminals to continue for the time being. This is because the
international container ship fleet and terminal capacity are not growing at a
rate commensurate with demand,” said Emile Hoogsteden, Commercial Director at
the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
To support the future growth in operations, Rotterdam said
it will continue to emphasize and encourage the importance of digitization as
well as cooperation and data sharing. The port also has several projects
underway o expand capacity and develop new sectors such as the importation of
hydrogen as well exploring an expansion of shore power and other projects to
reduce emissions and improve the environment in the area around the port.