The Amsterdam port region registers 2% growth in 2011 (NL)

The ports of Amsterdam, IJmuiden, Beverwijk and Zaanstad have closed the year 2011 with a transhipment rise of approximately 2%. Total transhipment amounted to over 92 million tons according to the interim figures.

The port region along the North Sea canal, despite the disappointing economy, has transhipped more raw materials and goods thus ensuring a healthy annual result.

Amsterdam on the rise
In the Amsterdam port transhipment increased by approximately 74.8 million tons compared to the previous year. Import rose by 3.2% to 50.4 million tons in Amsterdam. Export rose by 2.5% to 24.4 million tons.

Transhipment in the regional ports was estimated according to the first three quarters of 2011. These estimates indicate that IJmuiden witnessed a stable transhipment level worth approximately 17.5 million tons. In Zaanstad transhipment increased strongly by some 45% to 0.1 million tons. Beverwijk, however, witnessed a 10% decline to approximately 0.3 million tons.

Fourth port in Europe
Port of Amsterdam's President and CEO, Dertje Meijer: "Despite the economic crisis the Amsterdam port region has ensured a 2% increase, which is a fine result. The Amsterdam Port even secured a 3% increase. To me, particularly given the current economic circumstances, this is good news. We are the fourth port in Europe after Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg. I am proud of that."

Transhipment in Amsterdam
Oil transhipment increased by 9% to 37.1 million tons. Coal transhipment too went up by 9% reaching 15.5 million. Agricultural bulk dropped by 12% to almost 8 million tons. In this segment grain transhipment has grown heavily while transhipment of feed and oil seeds dropped. The transhipment level of cars and other Ro/Ro increased by 9% to 0.9 million tons.

Sea container transhipment dropped by 28% to over 0.6 million tons. Nevertheless, the number of inland navigation containers has grown by approximately one quarter compared to the year 2010.

Passenger shipping in the Amsterdam port also increased in 2011 compared to the preceding year. Amsterdam attracted 123 sea cruise ships and 1329 river cruise ships in total.

Outlook for 2012
This year the Amsterdam Port is expecting a modest transhipment rise, as a result of the utilization of new terminals (e.g. Vopak).

<Smart port
The Port of Amsterdam is the fourth port in Europe with sustainable growth being its key ambition. Growth ensuring jobs and incomes whereby the port uses the available space efficiently. Growth without damaging the quality of the water, soil and air. Growth as a result of which the people of Amsterdam will appreciate the port region even more. These are the Port's ambitions based on intensive cooperation with partners in the business community, city and region.

Source: Port of Amsterdam

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