The Port of Rotterdam has posted a first quarter 12 per cent container throughput increase to 2.9 million TEU against last year's quarterly volume of 2.68 million TEU, largely attributing growth to a robust Asia-Europe trade and intra-Europe volumes.

"Abundant growth is over, although 12 per cent for containers is still striking. The forecast for this year is an increase of two per cent," said Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Hans Smits.

For the first quarter, throughput was at the same level as last year, said the port authority, adding that it moved 107 million tonnes and the container growth was cancelled out by declines of one per cent in crude oil, 18 per cent in mineral oils and two per cent in other bulk liquids.

A harsh Baltic winter hampered container traffic with Russia, said the port authority statement. "Due to the high ship's costs - fuel and chartering - a few services have abandoned the longer Rotterdam route. Nevertheless, Russia remains a growth market," said the port authority.

Roll on/roll off traffic, which focuses almost entirely on Britain, was buoyed up by an improving British economy, said the port authority.

"Other general cargo finally hit the jackpot again with an increase of 0.5 million tonnes to 1.9 million. This was due largely to the increasing transshipment of steel at the Steinweg terminal on the Maasvlakte," the statement said.