The Port of Rotterdam experienced significant congestion in handling continer flows in the first half of 2025. The arrival of more than 100 vessels with call sizes of over 12,000 TEUs underscored the urgency of the situation.

Despite the challenge, the Port of Rotterdam reclaimed its status as Europe’s busiest container port, handling 7 million TEUs in the first half of this year – a 2.7% year-over-year increase. The growth is attributed to rising European consumption and was driven by an 8.4% increase in imports from Asia and a 9.1% increase in trade with North America.

This increase allowed Rotterdam to regain its lead over Antwerp-Bruges, which briefly surpassed it in container throughput in the first quarter of this year.

In the Port of Rotterdam’s half year report, Boudewijn Siemons, the port’s CEO, highlighted additional issues facing the port, such as a weakening competitive positioning for Europe’s industrial sector.

He noted that unfavorable investment conditions in the Netherlands are causing delays or cancellations of industrial and sustainability projects, while production shifts to countries with more favorable business environments. The port reported -4.1% decline in overall cargo throughput during this period.