North Sea Port cargo volumes fall nearly 10 per cent in first quarter
North Sea Port handled nearly 10 per cent fewer goods in the first quarter of 2026 than in the same period last year. A total of 15 million tonnes was processed via maritime shipping, a decline of 9.6 per cent. January and February were particularly weak, but traffic recovered to more normal levels in March.
The decline was mainly driven by bulk cargo. Throughput of dry bulk fell by 11.1 per cent, partly due to lower imports of iron ore. North Sea Port said substantial stocks of several raw materials had been built up at the end of last year, reducing the need for fresh deliveries during the opening months of 2026.
Liquid bulk posted an even sharper fall of 17.2 per cent. The port linked this to weakness in the chemical sector and maintenance shutdowns at major industrial players.
Other segments proved more resilient. Breakbulk throughput rose by 2.6 per cent, while roll-on/roll-off traffic increased by 1.3 per cent. Container volumes also grew by 5 per cent to 47,000 TEU, although the weight of container traffic fell by 5.1 per cent.
Chief executive Cas König nevertheless described the decline as temporary. Inland shipping also slipped slightly, with cargo throughput down 2.4 per cent, but returned to normal levels in March.
Slowdown not linked to Iran war
Meanwhile, a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is causing major disruption to the global economy. North Sea Port does not conduct direct trade with Iran and is therefore not immediately affected. However, rising energy prices and more expensive petroleum products could indirectly weigh on companies in the port area.
The port also stressed that the current slowdown is not yet linked to the war in the Middle East. The conflict only began at the end of February, and any effects were not yet visible in March, according to the port. Ships from the region also often take weeks to reach north-west Europe.
In the short term, the port expects consequences for several supply chains, both in the form of lower and higher throughput volumes.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JONAS D'HOLLANDER
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