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Transhipment at Amsterdam port increased by 3% compared to 2011, to 77 million tonnes. Imports were stable at 50.5 million tonnes in Amsterdam. Exports rose by 9% to 26.6 million tonnes.

These figures represent a new transhipment record for the port of Amsterdam, beating the previous record of 76 million tonnes, set in 2008.

The ports of Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Beverwijk and Zaanstad closed the year 2012 with a 1.6% rise in transhipment. Total transhipment amounted to some 95 million tonnes, according to provisional figures.

Despite the challenging economic environment, the port region along the North Sea Canal transhipped more raw materials and goods and achieved positive annual figures.

Commenting on the results, Port of Amsterdam’s President and CEO, Dertje Meijer said: ‘Despite the sluggish economy affecting many market sectors, our port again managed to achieve growth in the past year. The 1.6% growth of the Amsterdam port region is therefore a satisfactory result. The Amsterdam port even achieved an increase of 3%. I consider this to be an excellent result, especially in view of the prevailing economic environment. We are the fourth port in Europe, after Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg. I am proud of that.’

Transhipment in Amsterdam

Transhipment of oil products rose 11% to 41 million tonnes. This was partly due to the new Vopak terminal. Coal transhipment remained stable at 15.6 million tonnes. Agricultural bulk transhipment fell some 15% to almost 6.8 million tonnes. Sea container transhipment increased by 36% to over 800,000 tonnes. Transhipment of cars and other Ro/Ro decreased by 36% to 600,000 tonnes. Transhipment of other break bulk climbed 53% to 2.2 million tonnes.

Cruise shipping

2012 proved to be a positive year for cruise shipping. A record number of cruise ships called at Amsterdam. Visits by sea cruise ships totalled 145, up 18% from 2011. A total of 270,000 sea cruise passengers visited the city.

River cruise shipping also experienced a record year with 1,382 river cruise ships and a total of 322,000 passengers calling at Amsterdam.

Outlook 2013

Amsterdam port said it is expecting a slight growth in transhipment this year. Sea cruise shipping is set to experience another positive year in 2013, with 150 cruise ship visits and over 300,000 passenger arrivals forecast. It is also expected to be a record year for river cruise shipping, with the number of river cruise ship visits set to approach 1,500.

"The port of Amsterdam is the fourth port in Europe, with sustainable growth being its key ambition. Growth ensuring jobs and income and involving smart use of the space available. Growth without affecting the quality of the water, soil and air. Growth that will increase the appeal of the port area to Amsterdam residents and businesses and make them appreciate its assets even more. Port of Amsterdam seeks to achieve this by closely cooperating with partners in the business community, city and region," the Port of Amsterdam said.