Rotterdam share in container transhipment declining

In 2000, Rotterdam was still by far Europe’s largest container port, but the gap with Hamburg and Antwerp has narrowed significantly. In recent years, the competition between these ports has become fiercer.

Fiercer competition

In 2006, goods with a total weight of 275 million tons were transhipped in the ports along the Hamburg-Le Havre range. The port of Rotterdam accounted for nearly 74 million tons, more than one quarter of the total, as against nearly one third in 2000.

Share container shipment in largest European ports

Hamburg front runner in trade with China

Container shipment to and from China in the ports of Antwerp, Hamburg and Rotterdam has increased fivefold since 2000. In 2006, China accounted for transhipment of nearly 30 million tons of goods in these ports, making Chine the most prominent trading partner for container shipment.

Trade with China grew most rapidly in Hamburg. Last year, Hamburg accounted for the largest part of container transhipment with China. In 2000, Rotterdam still had the largest share in trade with China.

Container shipment to and from China

Port of Antwerp largest in trade with Singapore and the United States

After China, the United States and Singapore were the main trading partners of Europe’s three largest ports. These countries each accounted for the transhipment of 16 million tons of goods packed in containers. Antwerp, followed by Hamburg, accounted for the largest part of container transhipment with destination Singapore.

Container shipment to and from Singapore

Just like in 2000, Antwerp was the main port for container transhipment with destination the United States. With more than 9 million tons, Antwerp accounted for the bulk of goods transhipped in containers to the US in 2006.

Astrid Dohmen