Amsterdam Ports Maintains Market Share, Reinforces Economic PositionTranshipment of goods at Amsterd

Transhipment of goods at Amsterdam ports stabilised at the high level
of 55.7 million tons last year. Over 39 million tons was dry bulk and
10 million plus liquid bulk. More than 49 million tons in total, pract
ically the same as 1998. Transhipment of general cargo also stabilised
. Just like 1998 general cargo came to 6.3 million tons. Upscaling in
the shipping industry caused a drop in the number of ships last year b
y 1311. A total of 6434 harbour-due ships called at the port, includin
g 93 cruise ships.
Port Authority President/CEO Godfried van den Heuvel said: “We can lo
ok back with satisfaction on a good year. We not only managed to maint
ain our market share in goods transhipment, we also reinforced our eco
nomic value within other Dutch seaports. Direct maritime added value c
urrently stands at NLG 8.4 billion, with 37,000 employees. Besides tra
nsport, our port policy chiefly focuses on manufacturing and service i
ndustry activities. That is why added value and employment are more im
portant than exact amounts in tons. Considering ongoing developments i
n the port, including Africa harbour, the container terminal and the n
ew cruise terminal, combined with the flourishing world economy, I exp
ect activity to continue to increase at Amsterdam Seaports.”