Trend session ‘Port of the Future’

On April 4 2024 a large group of young professionals an industry experts gathered in Rotterdam for the Trend Session – Port of the Future. A collaboration between Deltalinqs, KPMG, and the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community. The session was moderated by Marc Buijs (Young RMSC) and focused on Rotterdam as the food hub of Europe. Check out the recap of this inspiring session.

Risks

Risks are growing in scale and their impact threatens to have an increasing impact on the business models and operations of Rotterdam companies. Increasing legislation worldwide (including the European Green Deal, but also CSDDD and EUDR) is forcing companies to reconsider their business model and value chain.

For example, before products or services can be launched on the market, an in-depth due diligence investigation of the market operators must be carried out in the near future. Companies must also increasingly report their contribution to sustainability. Identifying, assessing and prioritising the most relevant risks that could have negative consequences for the Rotterdamse business proves to be a real challenge for many maritime industry actors.

Insights

‘Because we are in the middle of an economic and social transition, it is important that we remain at the forefront to maintain our entrepreneurial climate and license to operate.’ Bas Janssen (Deltalinqs). ‘Further development of processes, infrastructure and knowledge are core conditions for a strong business climate.’

In-depth collaborations with stakeholders are crucial to address the well-known challenges (changing demographic compositions, increasing trade barriers due to geopolitical tensions, digitisation, lack of space, increasing levels of subversive activities and measures to combat climate change).

Learning to think from an ecosystem perspective and integrating business behavior (goal-oriented and efficient) into work processes, policies and management systems can prevent and/or mitigate negative consequences according to Brigitte Campfens (KPMG). According to Anne Saris (HbR), a difference can only be made through solidarity. That is our strength, but also our biggest challenge ‘to make it happen in Rotterdam’!