AMSTERDAM - The Port of Rotterdam on Thursday reported 512 million euros ($574 million) in operating profit for 2021, up 7.3% from 2020, and said container throughput was at record levels.
Europe's largest port said container throughput increased 6.6% to 15.3 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) despite logistical problems linked to the COVID-19 pandemic that are expected to continue in 2022.
Transhipment of goods was back at 2019 levels at 469 million tons, the port said, with a 42% increase in coal imports to around 24.5 million tons.
"The most important reason for the rise in coal imports was the high gas price, which made coal power plants competitive compared to gas fired plants," the port said.
About 90% of the coal that passes through Rotterdam goes to Germany for use by power and steel companies.
($1 = 0.8913 euros)
