Cargo transhipment in North Sea Port remains stable

(Posted on 16/07/24)

Over the first six months of this year, the companies in North Sea Port recorded a volume of 33.4 million tons of seaborne cargo transhipment. This is the same as in the equivalent period in 2023. Transhipment via inland navigation increased.

Looking at the different commodities handled, we again see rises in ‘recession-sensitive’ products such as construction materials, petroleum products and chemical products.

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.

Broken down by cargo types, the transhipment of liquid bulk goods (7.5 million tons) grew by 5%, with increases in chemical products and fertilizers.

The transhipment of general cargo (break bulk, 5.2 million tons) rose by 4.1%, primarily thanks to increased volumes of cellulose. Wheeled cargo throughput (ro-ro, 1.9 million tons) remained steady. Dry bulk goods fell by 2% to 18 million tons. Transhipment volumes dropped in categories including oil seeds and iron ore. However, there were also increases in this segment, in particular in fertilizers and raw minerals.

As a result of EU sanctions, trade with Russia fell by a further 17% during the first six months of the year. Russia is now North Sea Port’s tenth biggest trading partner, whereas two years ago it still held top spot. The UK is currently the port’s most important trading partner, followed by the United States and Sweden.

Cargo transhipment via inland navigation rose by 2.6% over the first six months of the year to 32.2 million tons. Throughput in liquid bulk goods increased, while the volume of dry bulk goods handled remained static.

For Western European countries, growth is looking relatively limited for this year. We cautiously predict a slight growth of two percent over 2024.