Friesland boosts sustainable transport with new inland port network plan
Friesland is set to transform its inland ports into a connected, sustainable network to reduce road traffic and strengthen the regional economy. The plan, adopted by the province, aims to optimize logistics and collaboration among ports, businesses, and local governments.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Province | Fryslân |
| Vision Name | Integrated Port Vision Friesland |
| Adopted By | Provincial Executive of Friesland |
| Focus | Strengthening water transport, reducing road traffic |
| Port Types | Larger ports (high-volume goods), smaller ports (local needs) |
| Key Stakeholders | Municipalities, Haven Netwerk Fryslân, entrepreneurs, Rijkswaterstaat |
| Next Step | Implementation programme to be developed post-June adoption |
| Economic Impact | Strengthens regional economy and logistics chain |
The Province of Fryslân is responsible for regional economic development and infrastructure, including the management and coordination of inland ports. This vision aligns with its role in promoting sustainable transport and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors.
Read the full translated article below
Friesland working on a network of inland ports
Today, the Integrated Port Vision Friesland has been adopted by the Provincial Executive of Friesland. With this vision, the province aims to better connect the inland ports of Friesland and further strengthen water transport.
The province sees many opportunities to transport more goods by water. This is sustainable and helps to reduce road traffic. Larger ports along the main waterways will focus in the future on goods flows with higher volumes. Smaller ports will play a role tailored to their surroundings and local needs.
“By working together more effectively, we can use our port system more intelligently,” says Deputy Matthijs de Vries.
Collaboration
The ports of Friesland are important for the regional economy, but collaboration is currently organised in a variable manner. As a result, opportunities are being missed, for example in the development of port areas and in strengthening the logistics chain. The new port vision provides direction to improve this in collaboration with municipalities, entrepreneurs and other partners.
“Better collaboration helps entrepreneurs organise their logistics in a future-proof way and strengthens Friesland’s position as a region for business,” adds Deputy Friso Douwstra. Jaap Jelle Feenstra, Chairman of Haven Netwerk Fryslân, states he is ‘grutsk’ (proud) that the port vision is now in place: “Let’s continue building one port system for Friesland in public-private partnership.”
Next steps
The port vision has been developed in collaboration with Friesland municipalities with inland ports, Haven Netwerk Fryslân, entrepreneurs, Koninklijke Binnenvaart Nederland, Rijkswaterstaat, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, HISWA and other stakeholders. The Provincial Council will adopt the port vision in June. After that, the province will work with partners on the implementation programme for the Friesland port vision.