The Port of Rotterdam handled 212.0 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2026, a 0.4% increase compared with the same period last year, as higher bulk volumes offset weaker container and breakbulk traffic. The port said geopolitical tensions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, increased uncertainty and energy prices, but the diversity of its cargo flows helped maintain stable operations. Bulk cargo drives growth Dry bulk throughput increased 1.7%, supported by higher coal and construction-related cargo volumes. Liquid bulk rose 2.4%, with oil and oil products benefiting from higher refining margins following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil throughput increased 1.6%, while oil products grew 11.5% to 25 million tonnes. LNG throughput also increased 1.7% to 6.4 million tonnes, supported by higher demand for LNG as a marine fuel. Container volumes remain stable Container throughput declined 0.1% in TEU terms and 2.6% by weight to 98.5 million tonnes. Deep-sea container traffic increased 5.2%, driven by an 8% rise in imports from Asia, while traffic with North America grew 13% following the introduction of additional services. However, transhipment volumes fell 20% because of capacity constraints at Rotterdam’s container terminals. Additional terminal capacity is expected to become available later this year. Financial performance remains stable The Port of Rotterdam Authority reported revenue of €477.0 million, up 3.2% year-on-year. Net income increased 0.9% to €144.8 million. The Authority invested €126.0 million during the first six months of 2026, focusing on infrastructure and the continued development of the port. Energy transition continues The port completed several sustainability milestones during the first half of the year. These included the expansion of shore power facilities, the activation of the first section of the Netherlands’ national hydrogen network, and the first ethanol bunkering of an oceangoing vessel