Bulk rises as Rotterdam remains resilient in uncertain world

(Posted on 27/07/26)

Total throughput at the port of Rotterdam rose by 0.4% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. This brought total throughput to 212.0 million tonnes.

The dry bulk segment rose by 1.7%. The throughput of liquid bulk also increased by 2.4%. There was a dip in throughput in the container and breakbulk segments. Container throughput fell by 0.1% TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) or 2.6% tonnes. Breakbulk fell by 1.1%. The previous six months were defined by much uncertainty.

Although the port of Rotterdam continued to operate resiliently due to its scale, infrastructure and diversity of freight flows, the developments demonstrated the importance of investments in energy security, sustainable alternatives and the flexibility of supply chains. Financially, the first half of the year was stable with a net result of 144.8 million euros. The Port of Rotterdam Authority's investments totalled 126.0 million euros in the first six months.

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority said ‘The war in the Persian Gulf has drastic humanitarian consequences for people in the region. In addition, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz makes it clear how closely connected global trade and energy flows are. Although direct impact on the operations and throughput in the port of Rotterdam has so far been limited, the higher energy prices and increasing uncertainty has rocked the international market. The events highlight the importance of robust supply chains and a strong European energy infrastructure. The port of Rotterdam has proved itself to be resilient and reliable in the face of challenging circumstances. That's not only crucial for the position of the port but also for the resilience of the Netherlands and Europe.’

The throughput of dry bulk rose by 1.7% in the first half of 2026. The throughput of iron ore and scrap decreased by 8.3%. Iron ore throughput fell by 9.6% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. Although German steel production increased, this did not lead to higher throughput volumes, as steel producers drew on their existing stocks. Scrap throughput rose by 6.1% in the first half of 2026, mainly due to growth in electric steel production in key markets outside the EU. Egypt, in particular, was an important export market.

Coal throughput increased by 17.8% in the first half of 2026. The increase is mainly attributable to a recovery in the throughput of coking coal from the exceptionally low level recorded in 2025. In addition, thermal coal throughput was higher than the previous year, partially due to the relatively high gas prices caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

In the first half of 2026, agribulk throughput was 14.2% lower than a year earlier, totalling approximately 4.9 million tonnes. This decline follows an exceptionally strong 2025 and reflects, among other things, reduced import demand due to the greater availability of agribulk in Europe.

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