News item | 08-05-2026 | 16:14
His Majesty the King and Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel will pay a working visit to the port of Rotterdam on Wednesday, May 13, in the context of undermining and resilience. This visit focuses on efforts against international organized drug crime and resilience against hybrid and military threats.
The port of Rotterdam is the largest port and industrial complex in Europe and at the same time a hub in international organized drug crime. This problem is closely related to corruption and exploitation of susceptible young people. In addition, the port with its vital infrastructure is a possible target for sabotage, espionage and cyber attacks. Governments and companies are joining forces to oppose this.
The King and Minister Van Weel start the working visit to Customs on the Maasvlakte. During a conversation with representatives from, among others, the municipality of Rotterdam, shipping companies, customs and seaport police, the public-private partnership is central. The issues surrounding crime, (young) people removing drugs from containers and dropping drugs at sea are also discussed. In addition, attention is paid to the protection of employees who work in the port and to combating corruption among employees. The King and the Minister will then visit APM Terminals. A discussion will take place at the deep-sea quay about working practices at the terminal, where container ships moor and are unloaded fully automatically at a secure transshipment area. Professionals talk about the results of their efforts to reduce drug crime. Finally, a discussion will take place at the APM Terminals office with representatives of public and private organizations that work together on the resilience of the port of Rotterdam. The NCTV, the Dutch Joint Force Command and the Port Authority are participating in the conversation.
The King regularly makes working visits together with a minister or state secretary. During these visits, the King is shown, using concrete examples, what effects the minister’s policy has in practice and what the challenges are.
