Rotterdam remains the largest European port serving China

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In 2014, Rotterdam became the first European port since the start of the economic crisis in 2008 to handle more than 3 million TEU (20-foot container units) going to or coming from China.

Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Allard Castelein announced this during the first quarterly meeting of the Rotterdam Port Promotion Council (RPPC). At the meeting he analysed the throughput figures for 2014 and indicated trends for a large group of port entrepreneurs.

In 2008, Hamburg in northern Germany still handled the most 'China containers' of 2.6 million against Rotterdam's 2.2 million. The German port suffered greatly during the crisis of 2008, whereas Rotterdam's throughput only declined moderately.

Since then, Rotterdam has been the main European port for 'China containers', although the lead on Hamburg remains small. In 2013, Hamburg handled 2.3 million TEU; Rotterdam handled 2.4 million. Anticipating the definitive figures, the Port of Rotterdam Authority expects an increase of at least 10 percent over 2014.

The Chinese share of Rotterdam's throughput will be significant and likely increase again in 2015. There are currently 18 container services per week between Chinese ports and Rotterdam.

The main battleground for rival European is very much China at the moment. It could hardly be otherwise, since about 70 percent of all container traffic to Northern Europe comes from this country. 

Joining alliances weekly rate to northern Europe from ten ports in mainland China brings the total to 74 weekly trips. The freight carriers 2M (co Maersk Line and MSC) clearly predominate; every week 27 vessels from China travel to northern Europe, significantly more than Three Ocean (18), CKYHE (17) and G6 (12).

For more information, please visit: http://www.portofrotterdam.com/nl/actueel/pers-en-nieuwsberichten/Pages/containerdiensten-azinoordwest-europa-herschikt.aspx