July 24th, 2025 – In the first half of the year, the Port of Rotterdam grappled with exceptional congestion as rising volumes strained operations. More than 100 container ships arrived during this period, each with call sizes exceeding 12,000 TEUs — stretching the port’s capacity and exposing systemic inefficiencies. Despite these challenges, Rotterdam managed to reclaim its position as Europe’s busiest container port, with volume rising 2.7% year over year to 7 million TEUs. Growth was fueled by increased imports from Asia — up 8.4% — and a 9.1% boost in trade with North America.
However, the port’s success masks deeper concerns. Rotterdam is facing growing uncertainty tied to a weakening European industrial base. The current investment climate in the Netherlands is causing companies to delay or cancel projects, including those aimed at sustainability. At the same time, production is shifting to non-European countries offering more favorable conditions. These trends are threatening the integrated industrial cluster that surrounds the port and its role in ensuring Europe’s supply security.
Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Boudewijn Siemons underscored the economic headwinds the port faces, pointing to lagging investments, supply chain disruptions, and growing geopolitical pressures. He emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive industry within the port to safeguard Europe’s strategic autonomy and continued access to critical materials, energy, and food.
While container throughput has rebounded, structural shortcomings are becoming more pronounced. The rising call sizes have highlighted the need for greater coordination across the supply chain. Solutions being discussed include shifting road transport to off-peak hours, better use of inland waterway corridors, and more widespread data-sharing through digital platforms.
On the ground, congestion is largely concentrated on the land side, rather than among vessels at sea. As of July 20th, only six ships were waiting to berth in Rotterdam, according to port visibility provider Portcast. Still, labor disruptions, the phasing in and out of alliance services, and earlier weather-related issues have added to delays.
Outside of container flows, bulk cargo trends reflect the broader economic unease. Total liquid bulk throughput declined 5.3% year over year to 96.2 million metric tons. Mineral oil products dropped sharply by 21.5%, as market backwardation discouraged storage. On a more positive note, LNG volumes rose by 9%, supporting Europe’s ongoing gas stock replenishment.
Dry bulk also saw significant declines. Throughput fell 8.9%, with iron ore and scrap volumes down 12.2% due to lower German steel production. Coal volumes dropped 21.1%, reflecting reduced demand for coking coal used in blast furnaces.
As one of Northern Europe’s primary gateways, Rotterdam finds itself at the intersection of rising global trade volumes and a shifting industrial landscape. The port’s ability to adapt its infrastructure, operations, and industrial ecosystem will be key to maintaining its position in an increasingly competitive and volatile environment.
