rotterdam's port sees fourth straight drop in cargo, but green energy bets grow

2026-02-26 economie

Rotterdam, donderdag, 26 februari 2026.
The port of rotterdam handled 428.4 million tons of goods in 2025, a 1.7% drop from the previous year. This marks the fourth consecutive year of declining volumes. Dry bulk shipments like iron ore and coal fell sharply, down 6.5%, hit hard by weak demand in europe’s steel industry. At the same time, container traffic rose 3.1% to 14.2 million teu, showing stronger consumer imports. Despite the downturn, major steps toward sustainability are moving forward. Shell’s holland hydrogen i plant starts operations by end of 2026. Air liquide is building a 200 mw green hydrogen factory on the maasvlakte, set to open in 2027. The porthos carbon storage project is also nearing completion, aiming to store co₂ under the north sea. These moves signal long-term transformation, even as immediate challenges mount.

fourth consecutive decline in port throughput

The port of rotterdam handled 428.4 million tons of cargo in 2025, marking a 1.7% decrease compared to 2024 [1]. This represents the fourth successive year of declining volumes. The dry bulk segment experienced the sharpest drop, falling by 6.5% overall [2]. Iron ore and scrap metal shipments declined by 11.5%, reflecting reduced European steel production amid high energy costs and global competition [3]. Coal handling dropped 8.7% to 17.3 million tonnes, signaling diminishing reliance on fossil-based industrial inputs [4].

container growth contrasts broader slowdown

While total cargo tonnage declined, container throughput measured in TEUs grew by 3.1%, reaching 14.2 million TEU in 2025 [1]. However, the weight of containerized freight slightly decreased by 0.2% [2]. Increased import activity from Asia and North America contributed to this rise [5]. Congestion at quays and disruptions caused by strikes and adverse weather led some transshipment cargo to divert to competing ports [6]. The imbalance between rising imports and weaker exports resulted in more empty containers being moved through the port [7].

financial performance remains stable

Despite lower cargo volumes, the port authority reported stable financial results in 2025. Total revenues increased by 6.6% to €940.4 million [8]. Harbour dues rose 7.9%, driven by tariff adjustments and indexing [9]. EBITDA reached €583.6 million, a 3.6% increase from the prior year [8]. The net profit declined by 7.8% to €266.0 million due to higher depreciation charges and a one-time asset impairment of €13 million [8]. The port invested €291.4 million back into infrastructure and operations during the year [1].

green transition accelerates despite headwinds

Amid concerns over competitiveness, major decarbonization initiatives are progressing. Shell’s Holland Hydrogen I electrolyzer, rated at 200 megawatts, is scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2026 [10]. Air Liquade is constructing a similarly sized green hydrogen facility on the Maasvlakte, expected online by late 2027 [11]. The Porthos carbon capture and storage project completed its 20-kilometer offshore pipeline and aims to start injecting CO₂ beneath the North Sea before the end of 2026 [12]. These efforts support a joint ambition to cut emissions by 55% by 2030, though officials acknowledge this target is becoming harder to achieve [13].

strategic vulnerabilities prompt defense and digital upgrades

Growing geopolitical tensions have heightened awareness of the port’s strategic importance. Fifteen hectares on the Maasvlakte have been reserved for a new defence logistics terminal under the National Space for Defence programme [14]. Amphibious military exercises are now conducted on nearby beaches [15]. Cybersecurity and drone threats are receiving greater attention, with collaboration underway among the port, police, defence, and the national counterterrorism unit [16]. Preparations for the 2026 launch of the U-Space airspace system aim to regulate unmanned aerial vehicles using digital tracking and strict flight protocols [17].

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Rotterdamse haven goederenoverslag