CEO Hans Smits: “We are extremely satisfied with these figures. They mean that we, as Port Authority, are able to implement our extensive investment programme. That is very important for the future of the mainport.” The two main sources of income for the Port Authority are the sea harbour dues that vessels pay when visiting the port and the leasing of sites. The harbour dues increased by EURO 14 million to EURO 288 million, despite the crisis discount of 7%, which was deducted from the tariffs throughout the year. The revenue from leasing land increased by EURO 17 million to EURO 249 million. In total, operating income was up 6.2% to EURO 551 million, EURO 32 million more than in 2009. The normal operating costs remained virtually equal to those in 2009.
The financial position of the Port Authority is developing favourably. A solid financial position is important if the Port Authority is to achieve its big investment ambitions. The investment level of the Port Authority reached the highest point in its history in 2010. In total, EURO 445 million was invested, EURO 324 million of which in Maasvlakte 2 and EURO 121 million in the existing port area. In 2011, the volume of investment will increase further, to approximately EURO 575 million, over EURO 400 million of which will be spent on Maasvlakte 2. Over 2010, the Port Authority paid out EURO 63.8 million as dividend to its shareholders, the municipality of Rotterdam (70%) and the State (30%). The Port Authority is optimistic about developments in 2011 and expects further growth in throughput of 2 to 3%. The net results for 2011 are expected to grow, due to increasing revenue and unchanged expenses.