The greater Amsterdam port area logged a 1% increase in throughput last year, to 97 Mt
The North Sea Canal Area [Ports of Amsterdam includes Amsterdam proper, Velsen, Beverwijk, Zaandam and the Tata Steel steelworks in IJmuiden.
The regional key port, Amsterdam itself, chalked a 0.9% rise to 79.2 Mt. The increase was due to a 5% increase in dry bulk cargo, including ores and fertiliszers. Petrol and diesel was 8.1% up to 42.6 Mt, while coal fell by 6.3% to 16.3 Mt.
A salient issue arose recently after Amsterdam port authority stated its aim to become a "coal-free" port by 2030, to be pursued by an accelerated "phasing out."
OBA, Amsterdam’s major dry bulk stevedoring operator, immediately responded that it would have "appreciated better co-ordination about such an announcement," adding that if holds a different view.
“Considering the energy transition we want to focus more on diversification, but wish to retain our ability to serve our customers in the long term,” OBA stated. The company added that the [German] steel industry will continue to depend on coking coal imports.
The number of sea-going vessels calling at the North Sea Canal ports totalled 6,982 in 2016 (2015: 7,162). The city of Amsterdam, the port’s sole shareholder, received a €50M dividend, equal to the 2015 return.
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