News item | 13-01-2026 | 12:00
The government, the province of South Holland, the municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are starting a study into solutions for the lack of space in the port and improving the living environment in the region. This is necessary to accelerate the transition (energy, raw materials and materials transition) of the port and at the same time ensure a pleasant living and working environment.
The port of Rotterdam faces a unique challenge in its history, in which not growth but the transition of the port is central. This transition is essential to achieve the sustainability goals and at the same time make an important contribution to the future earning capacity, security of supply and strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe.
The port industrial complex is a crucial engine for economic development and plays a key role in the energy supply and strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe. But the available space is becoming increasingly scarce. Although space is freed up by the decline of fossil-based companies, previous studies show that this space, even with infill development, will be insufficient. At the same time, the living environment in the region must be improved, because it is currently less good than desired.
That is why the government, the province of South Holland, the municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have decided to investigate the lack of space in the port. This exploration focuses on solving the impending lack of space and improving the living environment in the Rotterdam region. It is investigating which solutions are available 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 connection of offshore wind farms. The focus on resilience and the possibilities for Defense and military mobility are also examined, in which creating more space also plays an important role.
The importance of the transition
The transition of the port is not only essential for sustainability, but also for the future earning capacity and security of supply of the Netherlands and Europe. The exploration examines three main directions to address the lack of space:
- Intensification and optimization of the use of space within the existing port, based on ‘careful use of space’.
- Redevelopment of industrial estates in the broader Rotterdam region.
- Seaward expansion of the Maasvlakte.
Seaward expansion is not a goal in itself and cannot be taken for granted, but it is one of the possible solutions we are investigating. The same applies to the redesign and redevelopment of existing industrial estates in the region. Any possible seaward expansion will of course take into account the ecological impact, the need for nature compensation and the effects on fishing. Relevant stakeholders will be involved.
Sustainability and living environment
The link between the port’s space needs and the improvement of the living environment underlines the need for a vital region and a strong metropolis. The transition of the port can only succeed if the region as a whole continues to grow healthily and sustainably. Improving the living environment not only means more attention to nature and recreation, but also to the health of the residents.
Strategic and military significance
In addition to the economic and ecological significance of the port, the port of Rotterdam also plays an indispensable role for the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe. The port forms the basis for the storage and transit of strategic goods and provides the necessary infrastructure for military mobility. This makes the port of great importance for national and European security, and for NATO and Defense logistics.
Planning and next steps
The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Depending on the results, the next steps in the process will be determined. The parties involved work closely together to carry out the exploration carefully and transparently, and also involve the relevant stakeholders.