The Cargo flows in relation to macroeconomic variables and the internal efficiency of the Port of Rotterdam

This research aims at explaining cargo flows with the use of simple, widely available, economic indicators. The research question is: To what extent do macroeconomic indicators and the internal efficiency of the harbour influence cargo flows through the port of Rotterdam. Using a single and multiple regression technique, the influence of GDP, population size, labour, private investment, government, stocks and industrial production on the handling of cargo in the Port of Rotterdam is analysed. Cargo is defined as total throughput and split into agribulk, coal/ore/scrap, crude oil, other wet bulk, containers and roll on/roll of. Using these inputs a model is designed with an explanatory value ranging from 0,52 to 0,98, depending on the independent variables used. Furthermore, the efficiency of the Port of Rotterdam is calculated using the production factors labour and investment. This level of efficiency is added to the multiple regression model resulting in a more solid model with an explanatory value of 0,997.