The Rotterdam effect: is the best yet to come?

In order to remain relevant and profitable in the future, the port of Rotterdam cannot continue to rely solely on container transshipment and the storage and processing of oil. The importance of this change is mentioned in the new report by Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics: the Rotterdam Effect. The aim of this report is to adjust and update the role of mainport Rotterdam for the Dutch economy, on the basis of recent insights into the economic impact of mainport Rotterdam.

In an interview with the Dutch newspaper het Financieele Dagblad explains Bart Kuipers, senior researcher port economics at Erasmus School of Economics, what this Rotterdam Effects means. ‘The port and the associated re-export of products have led to distribution networks elsewhere in the Netherlands, such as Noord-Brabant and Limburg. Without Rotterdam, Venlo would have never have grown into the large logistics hub it is today.’ The question is, however, whether the new port will be able to produce this Rotterdam Effect as well. Kuipers is convinced it will, ‘I even think that the best is yet to come. The large growth in cargo flows seems to have passed its peak, but the port will become more attractive, cleaner and with less emissions.’

Kuipers also points out the need for highly educated people in the Rotterdam region. ‘Knowlegde will play an increasingly important role, because the importance of innovation is increasing.’ Kuipers is convinced that if the direction of sustainability is really taken, the port cluster of the future can benefit the Dutch economy. ‘The emphasis will be more on cooperation between industries and service providers in the region, but also between the city and the port.’

The interview with among other Bart Kuipers can be found on the website of the Erasmus School of Economics, as well as the rapport of Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics.