The Port of Rotterdam Authority has reported that throughout increased sharply during the first quarter of year, up 14 per cent to 107m tonnes compared with the same period of 2009.
Most good handled at the Dutch port showed growth, including containers, which grew 21 per cent, as well as dry bulk (up 32 per cent), iron ore and scrap, mineral oil products and other liquid bulk.
However, throughout figures slipped for agribulk, down 32 per cent, with coal also falling, while general cargo and crude oil remained unchanged year-on-year.
'The recovery in comparison with 2009 is very marked, but I prefer to compare it to 2008,' said Hans Smit, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. 'That was a top year and now we are getting close to it.
'I'm remaining non-committal though because consumers are still reserved and governments are making massive cuts. The growth will level off,' he added. 'The question is, will the port be able to make up for last year's 8 per cent decline this year in one go. That would be a wonderful achievement.'
