In the northwest corner of Maasvlakte 2, a 15-hectare terminal for the Ministry of Defence will most likely be built. The ministry intends to use this new terminal for the transshipment and transit of military cargo. The terminal is part of the National Program Space for Defence. On December 19, the cabinet decided on the so-called preferred locations for various additional activities of Defence in the Netherlands. The terminal at Maasvlakte 2 is part of this, as is the area for occasional amphibious exercise on the beach of Maasvlakte 2.

The security situation in the world has deteriorated recently. The Netherlands is therefore strengthening its defence, and this will be noticeable in many parts of the country in the coming years, especially because the armed forces are growing and need more space. For the port of Rotterdam, the most relevant point is that the Ministry of Defence requires sufficient, guaranteed terminal capacity for handling ships with military cargo (particularly equipment and ammunition).

It has been agreed within NATO that this type of cargo can be transported to and from the Netherlands, even if the final destination is outside the Netherlands. The cargo then travels to its final destination by road, rail, and inland shipping. For this purpose, a rail connection is also needed at the new terminal. No ammunition storage will be built. In addition to Rotterdam, the Ministry of Defence will continue to use the ports of Vlissingen and Eemshaven for military transports.

In addition, the Ministry of Defence wants to be able to conduct amphibious exercises at Maasvlakte 2. These exercises primarily involve practicing the landing of personnel and equipment. The Ministry of Defence wants to practice this type of operation at a total of four different locations in the Netherlands.

The Port Authority recognizes the importance of strengthening the defence, understands the considerations of the cabinet, and is actively cooperating in the preparation and implementation of the plans. The construction of the terminal (building the quay wall, railway connection, other facilities) is expected to take several years.
Source: Port of Rotterdam