However, the figures reveal a notable paradox in the container segment: whilst container volumes increased by 3.0% to 10.7 million TEU, tonnage actually decreased by 0.6%.
According to the port authority, this discrepancy is due to an imbalance between imports and exports, resulting in more empty containers being transhipped. The report notes that “exports from Europe are still suffering from the pressure on European competitiveness, particularly noticeable in the automotive industry and the chemical sector.”
Strong Asian imports drive container growth
Container throughput has been supported by strong import demand, particularly from Asia. The Asia-Europe shipping region saw throughput increase by 8.8% over the nine-month period, whilst the transatlantic route grew by 14.6%.
The port authority attributes the transatlantic growth to new sailing schedules introduced at the beginning of 2025, which include more services from Rotterdam to this shipping region.
The last three months of 2025 showed an acceleration in container growth, with TEU volumes up 3.8% compared to 3.0% for the year to date.
Iron ore and mineral oil products lead decline
The overall throughput decline was mainly driven by two segments: iron ore and mineral oil products.
Dry bulk throughput fell 5.6%, with iron ore and scrap down 12.7% (a reduction of 2.9 million tonnes). The port authority cited the continued decline in German steel production, under pressure from ongoing economic uncertainty and trade barriers. Electrical steel production also declined, though to a lesser extent.
Coal throughput decreased by 5.3%, mainly due to reduced demand for coking coal in the steel industry. However, the use of energy coal in the Netherlands and Germany increased due to higher energy demand that could not be fully met by additional solar and wind energy, particularly in the first quarter of 2025.
Mineral oil products saw the steepest decline in the liquid bulk segment, down 17.2% (a reduction of 7.3 million tonnes). The port authority explained this as a consequence of backwardation in the market, which makes storage unprofitable.
The chemical industry segment declined by 4.1%, with the port noting that “the chemical industry in Europe is not yet showing signs of recovery.”
Agribulk, LNG and renewable fuels show growth
Not all segments declined. Several areas showed positive growth:
- Agribulk throughput increased by 16.8% compared to last year, mainly due to the commissioning of a new dry bulk terminal in Rotterdam.
- LNG throughput rose by 14.9% as gas stocks in Europe continued to be replenished.
- Crude oil throughput increased as refining margins improved in the third quarter, partly due to attacks on Russian refineries reducing the supply of diesel for the global market. Combined with low diesel stock levels in Northwest Europe, this led to higher margins.
Within the liquid bulk segment, the throughput of renewable fuels increased, with higher volumes of ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Breakbulk shows modest increase
Total breakbulk throughput increased by 0.2% to 24.0 million tonnes. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) throughput decreased by 0.1%, with volumes to and from the United Kingdom not yet recovered, though the last six months have shown cautious signs of recovery.
Other breakbulk rose 1.1% to 4.6 million tonnes, partly due to the delivery of monopiles (offshore wind foundations), steel pipes for the Porthos carbon capture project, and an increase in the throughput of steel plates for the offshore industry.
Port authority emphasises resilience despite challenges
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, commented:
“Although total throughput volumes showed a slight decline in the first nine months of this year, developments in areas such as container throughput and the throughput of renewable fuels confirm the resilience and strategic value of the port of Rotterdam.”
He added:
“At the same time, European industry is still under enormous pressure, which underscores the need to continue investing jointly in innovation, sustainability, and logistical efficiency.”
