The Port of Rotterdam - the engine of 192,000 jobs and an indispensable link in the Dutch economy - is under pressure. Companies see their energy costs rising much faster than in neighboring countries, face grid congestion, and the nitrogen problem complicates obtaining permits.
The Municipality of Rotterdam and South Holland therefore present, in collaboration with Deltalinqs, the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Economic Board South Holland, 10 concrete measures (opens in a new window) to the newly forming cabinet to keep the port future-proof, competitive, and sustainable. These measures range from accelerating procedures to significant investments in energy infrastructure and innovation.
Arne Weverling, Deputy for Port and Industry: “The message to the new cabinet is clear: align vision, policy, and capital so that Europes largest industry and energy cluster can continue to become more sustainable and competitive.”
If the national government takes no action, this will directly lead to job and industry losses. Not only today and tomorrow, but it can also cause lasting damage to the Rotterdam ecosystem. The Rotterdam region believes the tide can still be turned if national government, region, companies, and authorities work together. With the port and industry, the Netherlands holds gold. The Port of Rotterdam can be the engine for new earning opportunities, sustainability, and supply security.
Port Alderman Robert Simons: “The new cabinet now has the chance to truly make a difference for the future of our port – and thus for the Dutch economy. It is about preserving jobs for our children and our strategic autonomy. We call on The Hague to make the right choices together with us, based on the ten-point plan.”
At the same time, the problem is clear and urgent: without stable policy, affordable energy, and room to grow, investments risk stalling and an essential economic ecosystem becomes disrupted. The region asks the new cabinet for long-term consistent policy for transition projects, acceleration of energy infrastructure projects, a level playing field with neighboring countries, priority in tackling grid congestion, and space for sustainable expansion, including a serious exploration of seaward port expansion.
Read the appeal to the informateurs (opens in a new window).
