European ports report shifting container throughput trends

Major European ports Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam reported mixed results for container throughput during the first nine months of 2026.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges saw a 1.2% increase in container throughput measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), though volume in tonnes fell by 0.6%. This growth was driven by an 11.7% rise in empty containers, while full-container volumes decreased by 1.3% due to an imbalance between rising imports and weaker exports. The port also noted disruptions earlier in the year from weather, industrial action, and an oil spill.

In Rotterdam, total cargo throughput rose 0.9% to 323.2 million tonnes. While TEU container throughput remained stable with a 0.1% increase, transshipment activity saw a significant 20% decline due to capacity constraints at deep-sea terminals. Conversely, hinterland container volumes grew by 7.2%, supported by an 8.9% rise in full container imports. Rotterdam's dry bulk throughput also increased by 2.1%, bolstered by higher coal volumes.