Seaport management
The Netherlands know four large seaport areas:
- Rotterdam seaport
- Northsea channel area
- Scheldt estuary
- Northern seaports
The largest national seaport is the Rotterdam seaport, which includes the ports of Rotterdam, Schiedam, Vlaardingen and Maassluis, and is managed, developed and operated by the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Rotterdam Seaport is the continental mainport of Europe and also the largest seaport.
Seaport management policy focuses on strengthening the international position of the Dutch seaports, taking into account security and the environment. The government concentrates on better market conditions, clear requirements and maintenance and improvement of the accessibility of the ports.
Source: Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Water Management
Expansion of the Main Port Rotterdam
Mainport Rotterdam is one of the most important harbours in the world and is a significant contributor to the Dutch economy. In the existing harbour and industrial area there is not enough space for new companies and clients that wish to expand.
If the port wants to continue developing in a positive trend, the extra space should be made available. The Dutch government wants to strengthen mainport Rotterdam, but at the same time it is taking into account nature and environment and the quality of life in Rijnmond. To achieve this the Project Mainport development Rotterdam (PMR) is established. The project exists of three components:
-Construction of new harbour area, Maasvlakte 2, and nature compensation accordingly;
-Development of 750 hectare nature and recreation area at Middle-IJsselmonde and north of Rotterdam;
-Existing Rotterdam region: a series of projects to make better use of the existing port area and to improve the quality of life.
Rotterdam Port Authority is responsible for construction of the new port area and PMR for inherent nature compensation; the province of South-Holland is responsible for the development of 750 hectare nature and recreation area; the municipality of Rotterdam for the existing Rotterdam region.