Bulk increases as North Sea Port makes up pandemic losses

(Posted on 25/10/21)

Over the first nine months of this year, the companies in North Sea Port recorded 51.3 million tons of seaborne cargo transhipment. That is 9% more than in the same period in 2020.

In 2020, North Sea Port faced a 13% fall in seaborne cargo transhipment over the first nine months - in the midst of the pandemic - compared to the previous year. For the first nine months of 2021, it has recorded a significant turnaround, with seaborne cargo transhipment increasing by 9%.

Seaborne transhipment rose by 4.2 million tons (+9%) compared to the first nine months of 2020. Almost 3 million tons (+12%) of this increase is accounted for by dry bulk, with almost all product groups displaying growth (grains, coal, iron ore, cement). North Sea Port is very much a bulk port.

Liquid bulk (such as petroleum and chemical products) amounted to 12.9 million tons, an increase of 6.2%. The volume of ro-ro cargo was 2.6 million tons (+40.3%). Breakbulk declined (-1.2%, to 7 million tons), as did containers (-5.2%, to 1.8 million tons).

Overall, seaborne cargo transhipment in the first nine months was more positive than estimated. If cargo transhipment continues to increase at this rate, North Sea Port will match the record level of 2019 by the end of next year.

Inland navigation transhipment also rose, to 44 million tons (+7.9%). The increase was seen in all cargo types. Only container transhipment showed a decline (-34%).

North Sea Port is a West European port that extends for more than 60 kilometers, 9.100 hectares, and across two countries: Belgium and the Netherlands. Because of its location at the North Sea, the port is directly accessible by sea-going vessels, benefitting global trade.

Its central location in Europe makes North Sea Port a logistics hub through which goods flow smoothly to all corners of Europe and even China. North Sea Port is also part of the Rhine-Alps, North Sea-Mediterranean, and North Sea-Baltic transport corridors, which ensure that goods can be delivered quickly and efficiently by rail, road, and/or inland shipping to their final destination.

Latest News

Antwerp-Bruges stands firm as geopolitical forces reshape trade flows

In the first half of 2026, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 133.9 million tonnes of maritime cargo, a... Read more

PD Ports announce Paul Foreman as new CEO

PD Ports, one of the UK’s major port and logistics businesses, announced today that Paul Foreman... Read more

New San Diego bulk sugar import facility to use only electric trucks

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved an Option to Lease Agreement and authorised... Read more

Expanded partnership through bulk infrastructure development at Khalifa Port

AD Ports Group, an Abu Dhabi based, leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more

Port of Hamburg strengthens partnership with China

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and SPG Qingdao Port Group have signed a Port Partnership Agreement... Read more

Contract awarded for Pilbara Ports Zone 5 Bypass Channel

The Cook Labor Government in Australia has welcomed the award of a dredging contract to Jan De Nul ... Read more

Netherlands Parliamentary rules out Maasvlakte II as location for new nuclear power plants

A parliamentary letter in the Netherlands on the selection of a site for the construction of two new... Read more

SSAB’s port operations in Raahe develop safety together with ESL Shipping

The long-term safety cooperation between ESL Shipping and the port of SSAB’s Raahe site is visible... Read more

Liverpool sees 200% rise in fertiliser imports interest amid ongoing uncertainty

The Port of Liverpool is experiencing a surge in demand from fertiliser importers as continued uncertainty... Read more

PD Ports strengthens Teesport bulk handling with £5.4m crane investment

PD Ports has further strengthened its bulk handling capability at Teesport with the arrival of... Read more