Next Generation Port Infra,
Powered by Maasvlakte 2

Next Generation Infrastructures has been working alongside the Maasvlakte 2 project organisation (which operates as part of the Port of Rotterdam) since early 2010. The aim of the partnership is to apply the knowledge accrued by Next Generation Infrastructures to help with the development, realisation and structure of Maasvlakte 2. Both parties intend to continue working together for the next five years, heading up many successful projects along the way.

Port of Rotterdam
The Port of Rotterdam is the largest and most important port in Europe. After decades of expansion, the existing port area has now reached its maximum limits: there is nowhere left to expand. But if the port is to retain its leading role into the future, further expansion is sorely needed. Concrete plans to expand the port have been around since 1993, the year in which the Rotterdam municipal authorities drew up the Havenplan 2010 outlining a proposal for a second Maasvlakte. The municipal and provincial authorities consulted with local special interests groups before deciding on the site for the new port. This led to the plan to extend into the sea, and build the port to the west of the present Maasvlakte.

Maasvlakte 2
Maasvlakte 2 will provide 1,000 hectares of industrial space, directly beside deep seawater. As the water here is more than 20 metres deep, the new port will be a popular place for container terminals. Numerous companies have already shown serious interest in Maasvlakte 2. When selecting future occupants, Rotterdam will not only consider the economic contribution they make to the area, but also the degree of sustainability. Sustainability aspects include the modal split (percentage rail, inland shipping and roads in the hinterland transport), restrictions on emissions and the companies’ line on sustainable responsible business. Contracts offered to businesses wishing to base themselves in Maasvlakte 2 will include a clause stating their intention to make relatively more use of the railways and inland shipping. The first three companies have already signed a contract.

More containers in the present port area
The Port of Rotterdam Authorities expect container transhipment to remain a growth sector, so Rotterdam is also creating extra capacity for containers in the existing port area. In 2008, Maasstad opened the new Euromax terminal on the north side of the Maasvlakte. Stevedores ECT and APM Terminals are also expanding their operations on the present Maasvlakte. More facilities are being built for European container traffic in the Waalhaven and Eemhaven ports, thereby creating extra capacity for both deep-sea transport and inland shipping.

Maasvlakte 2 will double the capacity
Strategic development of the existing port area, would enable Rotterdam to create container capacity of around 17 million TEU (unit measurement for containers) by 2014. This corresponds with the predicted market demand in that same year, but then the port really would be full. Further growth in capacity for container transhipment would only be possible once the first phase of Maasvlakte 2 is completed (in 2013). Land reclamation carried out between 2013 and 2033 would gradually create more room for extra transhipment capacity of another 17 million TEU. In other words, Maasvlakte 2 is doubling the maximum transhipment capacity of the existing container port.

Economic growth and quality of life must go hand in hand
One of the conditions laid down by Rotterdam is that economic growth must go hand in hand with the quality of life in the region. The planners refer to this as a double objective. In order to realise both these objectives, two requirements were linked to the new expansion plan: along with the economic expansion of the port area, another 750 hectares of countryside would be created, improving the quality of life in the region and putting the existing port area to more effective use.

For more general information take a look at the powerpoint.