2019 was again characterized by a high level of investment for the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Gross investments, including participations, amounted to EUR 338.3 million last year (2018: EUR 408.1 million). The net result excluding taxes amounted to 241.0 million euros (2018: 254.1 million euros) and the Port of Rotterdam Authority recorded a turnover of 706.6 million euros in 2019 (2018: 707.2 million euros). On the credit side, port dues increased slightly, while rental income fell slightly.

The figures reflect significant shifts in the various goods segments. Increases were recorded in the handling of crude oil, containers, LNG (liquefied natural gas) and biomass. The handling of coal and mineral oil products showed a decline.

Digitalization and energy transition
Last year, decisive steps were taken in the areas of digitalization and the energy transition. Some examples of this are the launch of PortXchange, the planned expansion of the heating network and the agreement that the Port of Rotterdam Authority has concluded with companies to collaborate on the preparation of carbon capture, transport and storage.

Demand for a faster, smarter port
Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, comments: "In 2019, the port of Rotterdam reached the throughput volume of 2018. Of course, we are not sitting back, but are actively expanding our leading position - and that includes extensive investments. The success of a modern port cannot only be measured by the tons that are handled there. The demand for higher handling capacity alone has given way to a demand for a better, faster and, above all, more intelligent port. It is also crucial for the future that the industry is able to accelerate the energy transition so that the port of Rotterdam can make a major contribution to achieving the Dutch climate targets. This requires a determined, entrepreneurial government that pulls together with the business community."

Liquid bulk: fewer petroleum products
The total throughput of liquid bulk in 2019 (211.2 million tons) was roughly the same as in the previous year (2018: 211.8 million tons). Within this segment, the throughput of crude oil/petroleum exceeded 100 million tons for the fifth consecutive year, representing an increase of 3.9 %. Refineries located in or linked to Rotterdam have increased their production capacity following the investments made in recent years, enabling them to refine more crude oil in 2019. In addition, higher stocks have been built up in recent months. The throughput of mineral oil products fell due to a lower inflow and outflow of heating oil.

This downward trend of recent years was reinforced in 2019 by stricter global emissions regulations for shipping, which came into force at the beginning of January 2020.
The increase in LNG throughput was mainly due to the fact that more of the gas produced around the Atlantic Ocean was imported to Europe instead of being exported to Asia. The increase in other liquid bulk relates to the import and export of biofuels, particularly biodiesel.

Dry bulk: sharp decline in coal throughput
Dry bulk throughput fell by 4% to 74.5 million tons (2018: 77.6 million tons). Coal handling in particular fell considerably (-14.8%). The share of energy coal in Dutch and German electricity generation fell sharply; in both countries, more energy was generated by solar, wind and gas. The transit of coking coal was also under pressure due to the decline in steel production in Germany. The throughput of iron ore and scrap on an annual basis remained virtually unchanged compared to 2018. This is a good result considering the decline in steel production in Germany. Biomass throughput rose by 62.8%. The increase mainly relates to the import of wood pellets, which are used for co-combustion in coal-fired power plants.
Container

Slight increase in container throughput
After a good start in the first half of the year, there was almost no increase in container throughput in the second half of the year. Measured in tons, container throughput rose by 2.5%. Expressed in TEU, the standard size for containers, the increase was 2.1% and the total annual volume amounted to 14.8 million TEU.

Roll-on/roll-off and other general cargo
Throughput via roll-on/roll-off vessels recorded a slight increase in 2019 (+0.8 %), despite all the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. There were major fluctuations in handling peaks over the course of the year, which were due to the build-up of stocks ahead of the previously planned dates for Brexit on March 31 and October 31, 2019. Handling of other general cargo increased by 2.9% on an annualized basis, as additional cargo parcels were brought in. However, there was a decline in the fourth quarter as a result of faltering German exports.
Financial results of port operations