By 2050, Rotterdam will be the most competitive, sustainable, and resilient port in Europe. A safe and innovative port, crucial to our economy and strategic autonomy, embedded in a healthy living environment. To realize this vision for the future, intensive public-private cooperation and an attractive investment climate will be crucial in the coming years. This and more is outlined in the Port Vision 2050, which will soon be discussed and adopted by the Rotterdam City Council.

In the new vision, the port of Rotterdam aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 and to make a significant contribution to the circular economy. Thanks to the strong clusters of companies and (inland) connections, the port still plays a key role in ensuring supply and energy security for many products needed on a daily basis. The port of Rotterdam has unique opportunities to become more competitive and cleaner applying new transport concepts, better use of artificial intelligence, and circular production, among other things.

Agile and resilient as a new focus
Due to geopolitical developments and threats, ‘agile and resilient’ is a relatively new but important theme in the new Port Vision. Diversifying imports from different countries and having a strong circular industry reduce dependence on specific countries. Importing renewable energy and generating more energy through, for example, offshore wind contributes to energy security. Digital systems must be optimally protected against malicious actors. Flexible switching between transport modes limits the impact of disruptions in the logistics chain.

From left to right: Arne Weverling (Province of Zuid-Holland), Boudewijn Siemons (Port of Rotterdam Authority), Robert Simons (Municipality of Rotterdam), Bas Jansen (Deltalinqs) en Wim Kulik (Ministry of Economic Affairs).

The other themes
The other four themes in the Port Vision 2050 are:

Smart & clean logistics. With smart systems, the port in 2050 will ensure greater delivery reliability, energy security, and economic prosperity. Cargo, means of transport, and infrastructure are digitally connected and have smart sensors that communicate with each other. Algorithms continuously select the best transport routes, and there are unmanned vehicles and vessels.
Industry: competitive, climate-neutral, and circular. Over the next 25 years, the Rotterdam industry will transform into a hub for circular raw materials and semi-finished products, various forms of sustainable energy, and strategic (critical) materials. This is important for the autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe. Fossil resources will be minimized but will probably not disappear entirely.

Quality of living environment, nature, and environment: significant progress has been made compared to 2025. By 2050, the Port of Rotterdam contributes to a healthy living environment without compromising the opportunities for businesses to operate. This can be achieved, for example, through the use of clean fuels and shore power. Public-private cooperation has increased the number of homes in the region.

Future-proof labor market. The port remains a large and attractive employer, but is becoming more diverse. The port is also more accessible thanks to new transport concepts.

What will the port of 2050 look like?

Getting the foundations in order
The Port Vision 2050, sent today by the College of Mayor and Aldermen to the city council, is an enticing outlook for the development of the port. This ambition requires action. First and foremost, a much more attractive investment climate is needed, with, for example, energy costs comparable to those in our neighboring countries. Otherwise, companies will invest elsewhere in the industry of the future. The construction and modernization of infrastructure and strengthening of the labor market are also urgently needed. Finally, within the NOVEX Rotterdam port cooperation, we are consulting on how we can solve the space shortage.

Involved parties and participation
The city of Rotterdam and the Port Authority initiated the Port Vision 2050 and developed it in collaboration with the province of South Holland, the national government, and Deltalinqs. More than 100 companies, government agencies, knowledge institutions, and interest organizations also provided valuable input. In addition, residents and young people from the region shared what they consider important for the future of the port. In the coming weeks, the city council will discuss the vision and decide on its final adoption.
Source: Port of Rotterdam