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Port of Rotterdam reports record volumes |
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In 2007, the Port of Rotterdam realized a growth of 6,4% in throughput volume and was the first European port to break through the barrier of 400 million tonnes. This is more than the combined volumes handled in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Hamburg.
 Containers and crude oil each represent about 25% of the transshipment volume. Whereas crude oil volumes stabilize, the container volumes grow rapidly, with an increase of 12% in 2007. In terms of container units, Rotterdam was the first European port to pass the milestone of 10 million TEU. The Port of Rotterdam is developing above the highest long-term growth scenario, supported by a flourishing economy and ongoing globalization.The great success also leads to new constraints in available space, hinterland transportation and handling capacity. Probably in 2008 the land winning for the Second Maasvlakte can start, leading to more space from 2013. From 2008, the road congestion will be reduced by the new Betuwe Route, over which four cargo trains per hour will run. Finally, new IT solutions for supply chain management are needed to further improve the port efficiency. Supply chain systems can be appllied to better exploit the available port capacity. This starts with improved co-ordindation between the parties, supported by online interfaces between the information systems.
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