Ro-Ro Numbers up at Port of Rotterdam

Ro-ro traffic increased 8 percent at the Port of Rotterdam during the first six months of 2010, thanks to Britain’s slowly recovering economy.

Although not well-known for handling roll on, roll off cargo, Rotterdam has the highest ro-ro volume in northwest Europe, reaching some 8.3 million metric tons during the period, according to the port. Throughput increased following DFDS Torline’s integration at Maasvlakte and Norfolk Line’s at Vlaardingen.

However, problems with the port’s Caland Bridge during the period held back some growth and caused sailings to be rerouted from Brittaniehaven, where the Rotterdam Car Terminal is located and where the carrier Cobelfret is based.

Stena Line began deploying large Ropax vessels to Rotterdam in May, and the carrier recently announced it will begin deploying slightly larger full freight ferries between Rotterdam and Harwich

On the breakbulk front, Rhenus Port Logistics' breakbulk terminal in Rotterdam’s Waalhaven area has finished its expansion. The quay is now 900 meters long, up from 580 meters, and the terminal area has grown from 33,000 square meters to 63,000 square meters.

Photo courtesy Port of Rotterdam