A third port in Werkendam is economically and environmentally feasible. This is evident from research that the municipality of Altena has recently carried out. According to councilor Hans Tanis, expansion is necessary to keep the maritime sector in the municipality future-proof. “All signals are green, so now is the time to take action.”
The two existing ports, Biesbosch and Beatrixhaven, have been suffering from a ‘chronic lack of space’ for some time. About fifty companies from the maritime sector are active there, providing more than 2,700 jobs.
“It is the cornerstone of the region’s economy,” says Tanis. Werkendam is also an important hub in Dutch inland shipping: approximately forty percent of all large inland vessels are built here. New developments, such as the electrification of ships, increase the demand for space in the ports.
The third port would be located on the Biesboschhaven side. The site will be 4.3 hectares in size with a quay length of 1.3 kilometers and is located outside the dike, so little land from existing companies is required.
Costs and financing
The construction of the port is estimated at 68 million euros. The municipality of Altena wants to apply for subsidies for this from the government and possibly the European Union. The House of Representatives previously spoke positively about the plan; at the end of 2024, a motion was passed almost unanimously. The municipality hopes to recoup about half of the amount by selling land to entrepreneurs. In addition, a leasehold construction, comparable to the port of Rotterdam, is being considered, in which companies pay a fee to be allowed to use the land.
The new municipal council will soon have to make a decision on the next steps towards realization. Until then, a new dock and the extension of the quay in the Biesboschhaven should temporarily alleviate the lack of space. These projects should be completed within four to five years.
It is still uncertain when the third port will actually be built. Water safety, nitrogen emissions and the proximity of Natura 2000 areas require careful measures. Councilor Tanis considers a realistic term of approximately ten years.
