The Port of Rotterdam presented its results for the fiscal year 2025 with a total traffic of 428.4 million tons, which represents a decrease of 1.7% compared to the previous year. The main factor for this drop was the negative performance of solid bulk, although congestion at container terminals and the weakness of European exports also hampered the activity of the largest port on the continent.
Container traffic reached 14.2 million TEUs, 3.1% more than in 2024, thanks to the surge in imports from Asia, which grew by 9.3%, and a 13.6% increase in traffic with North America. However, the total weight of containers declined by 0.2% year-on-year. The port authority attributed this discrepancy between TEUs and weight to the increase in empty container movement, a direct consequence of the combination of higher imports and lower export volumes, arising from the deterioration of Europe's competitive position and the decline of transshipment. The port also pointed out that adverse weather conditions and strikes recorded at the beginning and end of the year caused fluctuations in container movement.
Changes in the alliance structure of shipping companies generated an increase in the number of services operating in Rotterdam, but this greater offer was countered by operational problems. Congestion in container handling at the docks caused the diversion of a significant volume of cargo to other ports, with a decrease of 15.9% in TEUs in the transshipment segment. Short sea volumes remained stable.
Ro-ro traffic grew by 0.9% to 25.6 million tons, with limited growth in flows with the United Kingdom due to the slow pace of its economy. The rest of the general cargo (breakbulk) rose by 4.6% to 6.1 million tons, supported by increased movement of steel products, the delivery of foundations for offshore wind farms, steel pipes for the Porthos project, and an increase in aluminum, whose sales are redirected to European buyers as a consequence of the import tariffs imposed in the United States.
Solid bulk fell by 6.5%, dragged down by lower shipments of iron ore and coal. Coal traffic dropped by 8.7% to 17.3 million tons due to the sharp decline in demand for coke coal, linked to the weak position of European steel production. In contrast, agricultural bulk grew by 6.3%, with particularly high volumes in the first half of the year, driven by the commissioning of a new solid bulk terminal at the port.
Liquid bulk decreased by 1.5% overall. LNG recorded a 15.1% increase to 13 million tons, as gas reserves in Europe required a higher replenishment than in 2024, but this growth was not enough to offset the weakness of other liquid products, particularly chemicals.
The port authority expressed its concern over the delay in industrial investment. Several chemical companies announced over the last twelve months the closure of factories in Rotterdam, while ongoing or new projects, especially in the field of renewable fuels, have been put on hold. The port considered that the government measures adopted in 2025 were positive but insufficient to match the competitive conditions of the Netherlands with those of other European countries, in a context where competition from markets such as China remains significant.
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port Authority of Rotterdam, described 2025 as a difficult year, in which the chemical and logistics companies at the port were under considerable pressure and the European industry was affected by growing global competition, all in a context of escalating geopolitical tensions.
In financial terms, the annual income amounted to 940.4 million euros, a 6.6% increase compared to 2024, and the EBITDA reached 583.6 million euros, with a growth of 3.6%. The net profit stood at 266 million euros, 7.8 million less than the previous year, due to higher depreciation and an extraordinary charge for asset impairment. Investments totaled 291.4 million euros, 9% less year-on-year. Operating costs increased by 38.3 million euros, mainly due to a 13.6 million increase in personnel expenses related to changes in the latest collective agreement, and 15.6 million in operating expenses. Under new dividend agreements, the distribution for 2025 will amount to 186.2 million euros, equivalent to 70% of net profit.
Regarding decarbonization, the port authority acknowledged that its goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 55% by 2030 is becoming increasingly unlikely to be achieved, although it continues to work with companies in the area to accelerate the transition. Ongoing projects include Air Liquide's 200 MW green hydrogen plant, planned for late 2027, and Shell's Holland Hydrogen I electrolyzer, scheduled to be operational in 2026. The Porthos carbon capture and storage project is in its final phase, with the underwater pipeline completed and operations expected to start by the end of 2026. The construction of the hydrogen trunk network is also progressing, with the last section of pipeline welded and commissioning preparations underway.