Despite the economic slowdown that became clearly visible in the course of the year, the port of Amsterdam showed good growth figures in 2002, the recently published Annual Report of the Amsterdam Municipal Port Authority confirms. Both goods transhipment and business activity in general at the port increased. The port's economic significance in terms of employment and added value remained stable and even improved in certain areas. However, the continuing economic conditions mean the Port Authority expects 2003 to show slightly less favourable results than 2002.

Hans Gerson, Executive Director of the Municipal Port Authority, is pleased with 2002 performance. "Given the economic situation, however, we cannot expect the same results for 2003. For the first time since 1990 we may have to face a decline in goods transhipment levels. So we have adapted our commercial approach and upgraded our sales efforts to bring in more cargo and business. Our target is to protect the port's economic importance as the engine of the economy, 70,000 jobs and 5 billion euro added value, and as a source of income for the city. In view of the city's financial situation, this will be very important. Besides cutbacks which the Port Authority and other municipal units will have to introduce, we are paying special attention to the income side of the equation."

Goods transhipment
In 2002, goods transhipment exceeded the magical limit of 70 million tons for the first time ever. Versus 2001 transhipment increased by 3.1% to 70.5 million tons which put Amsterdam into fourth place in the so-called Hamburg-Le Havre port range. Not only did Amsterdam maintain its position as the largest 'cocoa port', it also reached number one in agri-bulk (grain, animal feed and oil-bearing seeds), sand, gravel and molasses.

Increased business activities
Business activities too increased due to various business expansions and the arrival of new companies. Facilitating this the Port Authority let 34 ha. (80+ acres) of site, which was considerably more than the average annual letting of 25 ha. (60 acres).

Port's economic importance
According to the annual study of the National Port Board, direct maritime employment increased by 1.7% up to 38,660 in the Amsterdam port area. Direct added value remained stable at 3 billion euro. Factoring in indirect effects, added value reaches 5 billion euro and employment 69,800 - outcomes almost identical to those of the previous year.

Future
Port Alderman Mark van der Horst too was very pleased with the results. "In the coming years the Port Authority will intensify its international logistics function to continue to grow and develop into an innovative and diversified port complex. In order to do this we will increasingly work together with public and private partners to strengthen the port's economic structure and employment. And we will always bear in mind the environment, as the Port Authority targets economic growth in a responsible and sustainable manner."

Amsterdam Port Authority Nieske Dekker, Communications Department

Tel. +31 - (0)20 - 523 48 75.