Europe’s two biggest ports, Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, saw increased freight volumes in the first half of 2024. Rotterdam handled 6.8 million TEUs, up 2.2% from last year, while Antwerp-Bruges handled 6.6 million TEUs, a 4.1% increase year-over-year.

Rotterdam Port Authority CEO Boudewijn Siemons attributed the port’s growth to higher demand for consumer goods and an early peak season with importers bringing forward their orders. Longer shipping routes and changing schedules caused by ships avoiding the Red Sea coupled with increased demand and bad weather in Asia, have triggered delays. This has led to congestion at ports in Asia, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. Siemons said it remained uncertain whether the growth trend would continue in the second half of 2024 and would depend on the wider recovery of the European industry.

Antwerp-Bruges CEO Jacques Vandermeiren remains positive about the future. He said that even though geopolitical tensions and a ‘fragile economic climate’ persist, the port continues to show growth and has been investing in infrastructure. Deurganck dock is now capable of handling larger containerships up to a draught of 16 meters, and the development has expanded to other container terminals.

According to data from Container Trades Statistics (CTS), China contributes the most containers to both ports. From January to May, container imports from China to Northern Europe grew by 11.5% compared to last year, reaching 3.4 million TEUs.

Source: Journal of Commerce