The State, the province of South-Holland, the municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are initiating a study within NOVEX to investigate solutions to the lack of space in the port and to improve the living environment in the region. This is a necessary step for the acceleration of the transition (energy, raw materials and materials transition) in the port while ensuring a pleasant living and working environment.
A group of people are standing together on the deck of a boat in a harbour setting. Containers, cranes and ships are visible in the background, indicating an industrial harbour location. The individuals are neatly dressed in business attire, including suits and
The port of Rotterdam is facing a unique challenge in its history, in which the focus is no longer growth but the transition of the port. This transition is essential to ensure we can meet sustainability targets and can provide a significant contribution to the future earning power, security of supply and strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe.
The port-industrial complex is a crucial driver of economic development and plays a key role in the energy supply and strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe. However, available space is becoming ever more scarce. Although space will be freed up due to the closure of fossil-based companies, earlier studies have indicated that this space, even with redevelopment, will be insufficient. Simultaneously, the living environment in the region must be improved, as it is currently not up to the desired standard.
That is why the State, together with the province of South Holland, the municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority, decided to research the lack of space in the port. This research is focused both on solving the problems of the impending shortage of space and also on improving the living environment in the Rotterdam region. We are researching potential solutions to create space for the energy transition, such as the construction of green hydrogen factories, the import and storage of hydrogen (and hydrogen carriers) and the landfall of offshore wind farms. In addition, we are assessing the efforts to ensure resilience and the possibilities for Defence and military mobility, which will also require more space to be made available.
The importance of the transition
The transition of the port is essential not only for sustainability, but also for the future earning capacity and security of supply of the Netherlands and Europe. The study explores three main paths to address the lack of space:
• Intensification and optimisation of space use within the existing port, based on ‘careful use of space’.
• Redevelopment of industrial sites in the wider Rotterdam region.
• Seaward expansion of the Maasvlakte.
Seaward expansion is not an end in itself nor a certainty, but it is one of the possible solutions we are exploring. The same applies to the renovation and redevelopment of existing industrial sites in the region. Any possible seaward expansion will obviously take into account the environmental impact, the need for environmental compensation and the effects on fishing. Relevant stakeholders will be consulted.
Sustainability and living environment
By aligning the port’s need for space with improving the living environment, we are emphasising the need for a vital region and a strong metropolitan area. Indeed, the port’s transition can only succeed if the region as a whole continues to grow healthily and sustainably. Improving the living environment means paying more attention not only to nature and recreation, but also to the health of residents.
Strategic and military significance
Besides its economic and ecological significance, the port of Rotterdam also plays an indispensable role in ensuring the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe. The port forms the basis for the storage and transit of strategic freight and provides the necessary infrastructure for military mobility. This makes the port of great importance for national and European security, and for NATO and Defence logistics.
Planning and next steps
The study is expected to be concluded by the end of 2027. The next steps in the process will be determined based on the findings. The parties involved are working closely together to carry out the research carefully and transparently, and will consult with the relevant stakeholders.
Source: Port of Rotterdam
