The port of Rotterdam posted a modest increase in breakbulk throughput in the first nine months of 2025. However, overall throughput has taken a hit.
Total breakbulk throughput (ro-ro and other breakbulk) increased by 0.2 percent to 24 million tonnes at the port of Rotterdam during the first nine months of this year. Ro-ro throughput, hiowever, decreased by 0.1 percent.
It said that volumes to and from the UK have not yet recovered, but overall, the last six months have shown cautious signs of recovery. Other breakbulk rose 1.1 percent to 4.6 million tonnes. This increase was partly due to the delivery of monopiles (offshore wind foundations), steel pipes for the Porthos project, and an increase in the throughput of steel plates for the offshore industry.
Total throughput in the port of Rotterdam fell by 2.6 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2025. In the first nine months of 2025, throughput was 320.2 million tonnes, down from to 328.9 million tonnes in 2024. It attributed the decline mainly to lower throughput of iron ore and mineral oil products.
Boudewijn Siemons, ceo of Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “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. 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.”
