It is reported that cargo throughput at the Port of Rotterdam increased during the first 9 months of 2011 by 1.7% to 327 million tonnes. Dry bulk handling decreased 1% to 65 million tonnes while liquid null dropped 4% to 149 million tonnes. General cargo throughput rose over 10% to 112 million tonnes.

Mr Hans Smits CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority said that "Throughput developed well in the third quarter as compared to the first half year and the darkening economic climate."

He added that "Now all mood indicators are dropping and the world economy is cooling down. Because of that, export is also stalling. Till now it had been a driving force for our throughput. Not surprisingly, growth will decrease in the fourth quarter. Over the whole year we still expect growth."

Incoming container throughput increased 13% while outgoing container throughput increased 8%. A total of 93 million tonnes was handled at the port, an increase of 11% from the same period of 2010.

(Sourced from www.portworld.com)