Rotterdam 2050 Port Vision officially launched

Monday January 26, the Rotterdam 2050 Port Vision was officially launched and presented to many attendees in the Port Pavilion. Outgoing Minister Vincent Karremans of Economic Affairs: ‘If the Netherlands and Europe want to remain economically strong and resilient in the future, we must make choices now for the port of Rotterdam. Standing still is not an option. We can only keep our industry and economy future-proof with an ambitious vision, in which growth and sustainability go hand in hand.’

 

 

 

From left to right: Victor van der Chijs (Deltalinqs), Maaike Dalhuisen (Port of Rotterdam Authority), Arne Weverling (Province of Zuid-Holland), Vincent Karremans (Minister of Economic Affairs), Robert Simons (Municipality of Rotterdam), Boudewijn Siemons (CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority).

 

The core of the Port Vision is that Rotterdam will be the most competitive, sustainable and resilient port in Europe by 2050; a safe and innovative port, an indispensable value for our economy and strategic autonomy, and embedded in a healthy living environment. To realise this vision of the future, intensive public-private partnerships and an attractive investment climate will be of decisive importance in the coming years.

 

The Municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority initiated and drew up the 2050 Port Vision in collaboration with the Province of South Holland, central government and Deltalinqs. A representative of all these parties was involved in the launch: Minister Karremans on behalf of the central government, Alderman Robert Simons for the Municipality of Rotterdam, Deputy Arne Weverling on behalf of the Province of South Holland, Deltalinqs Chair Victor van der Chijs on behalf of the port business community and Boudewijn Siemons as CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. More than a hundred companies, government agencies, knowledge institutions and interest groups also provided valuable input. In addition, residents and young people from the region shared their views on what they think is important for the future of the port. The Rotterdam City Council adopted the 2050 Port Vision on 18 December 2025.

 

In his presentation, Boudewijn Siemons emphasised that the Port Vision has not ‘started from scratch’. ‘The companies in and around the port of Rotterdam have always been characterised by a focus on innovation and progress to achieve a sustainable and future-proof port. The Port Vision shows that we are also jointly setting new priorities for improving the investment climate, strategic autonomy and addressing the impending lack of space; for example, through a possible seaward expansion of the port.’

 

In the new vision, the port of Rotterdam aims to be climate neutral by 2050 and to make a major contribution to the circular society. Due to the strong clusters of companies and (hinterland) connections, the port continues to play a key role in ensuring security of supply and energy for many products that are needed on a daily basis. Thanks to new transport concepts, better use of artificial intelligence and, among other things, circular production, there are unique opportunities for the port of Rotterdam to become more competitive and cleaner.

 

Due to geopolitical developments and threats, ‘agile and resilient’ is a relatively new, but important theme in the new Port Vision. Spreading imports across different countries and developing a strong circular industry reduce dependence on specific countries. Importing renewable energy and generating more energy via, for example, offshore wind both contribute to energy security. Digital systems must be optimally protected against malicious parties. Switching flexibly between modalities limits the impact of disruptions in the supply chain.

 

In addition to ‘agile and resilient’, the other four themes in the 2050 Port Vision are:

 

• Smart and clean logistics.

With smart systems, the port will ensure greater security of supply, energy security and economic prosperity by 2050. Cargo, modes of transport and infrastructure are digitally connected and have smart sensors that communicate with each other. Algorithms constantly choose the best transport routes and there are un-crewed vehicles and vessels.

• Industry: competitive, climate neutral and circular.

Over the next 25 years, Rotterdam’s industry will transform into a hub for circular raw materials and semi-finished products, a wide range of sustainable energy and strategic (critical) materials. This is important for the autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe. Fossil fuels will be kept to a minimum but will probably not disappear completely.

• Quality of the living environment, nature and the environment: considerable progress has been made compared to 2025.

In 2050, the port of Rotterdam will contribute to a healthy living environment, without this being at the expense of business opportunities. This can be achieved, for example, by using clean fuels and shore power. Public-private partnerships have increased the number of homes in the region.

• Future-proof labour market. 

The port remains a large and attractive employer and is becoming more diverse. The port is also more accessible thanks to new transport concepts.

 

The 2050 Port Vision is an appealing prospect for the development of the port. That ambition requires action. First of all, a much more attractive investment climate is needed, with, for example, energy costs comparable to those in our neighbouring countries. Otherwise, companies will invest elsewhere in the industries of the future. The construction and modernisation of infrastructure and the strengthening of the labour market are also urgently needed. Finally, we are consulting within the NOVEX port of Rotterdam partnership about how we can address the lack of space.