Rotterdam port to give rebate on tariffs in 2010

AMSTERDAM, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Rotterdam port, Europe's biggest, will give a once-only rebate in 2010 on tariffs for sea and inland harbour dues to stimulate markets and strengthen its competitive position, the authority said on Thursday.

It said on balance, the sea and inland harbour dues will go down by 5 percent in 2010, which is the first time in at least 20 years that the port has lowered its tariffs, and is due partly to the economic downturn.

"We have been able to find a good balance between the present difficult position of the customers and the long-term investment needs of the port authority," the port's chief executive Hans Smits said in a statement. (Reporting by Catherine Hornby, editing by Anthony Barker)