Importers who source goods from Europe are sure to have had freight transported through Rotterdam at some point. With its staggering length of 42 kilometres embracing 12,500 hectares, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer size and vast capacity of this Port – which is why it is critical that your precious cargo is safely handled by experts like Colless Young.
Rotterdam used to be the world’s largest port until it was overtaken two decades ago, first by Singapore, then Shanghai and other Chinese ports. It is still the largest outside Asia and ranks number ten in the world, handing 13.82 million TEUs last year – that amounted to 436 million tonnes of freight.
The Port of Rotterdam is known as the Gateway to Europe. It is a highly sophisticated, deeply integrated logistics machine, with distinct, world-class ecosystems purpose-built for Europe’s most demanding and valuable industries – from complex chemical compounds and fast-moving consumer goods to high-fashion apparel.
While there has been a lot of media focus on the USA and China lately, at Colless Young we remain aware that Europe is of major importance to many of our clients. The EU is a massive high-income market – with a population of over 446 million – and it ranks as Australia’s third largest, after China and Japan. Plus, there is the potential for even more business under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been stalled for a while, but still in the pipeline.
Australia and the Netherlands have a strong and dynamic trade relationship, with the latter serving as a crucial gateway for Australian goods into the European market and a significant source of investment in Australia. In 2023 the Netherlands was Australia’s largest EU export market, with $6.1 billion in goods and services exported.
Key Australian exports include resources and agricultural products, while the Netherlands exports computers and other industrial goods back to us. Both nations are collaborating on sustainability and net zero initiatives, leveraging the Netherlands’ expertise in ag-tech and circular economies to support Australia’s energy transition.
The Dutch logistics sector boasts one of the most densely connected networks of seaports and airports in Europe. Complementing Rotterdam is the Port of Amsterdam, a strategic hub specializing in energy, project cargo, and various commodities. Together, they provide unparalleled maritime access.
When it comes to air services, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a global cargo titan, consistently ranked among the top airfreight airports in Europe. Its design and operation are geared for speed and efficiency, making it the preferred choice for high-value, time-critical shipments.
We maintain strong links with our European network and provide regular LCL services from Rotterdam – as well as all other major EU shipping hubs – to Australia. We offer landside transportation, ocean shipping, freight forwarding and warehousing.
Colless Young has decades of experience in the European market and can help you craft strategies for ordering, shipping and stocking your products. Talk to Andrew, Tel: +61 7 3890 0800 email enq@collessyoung.com.au
