The Port of Rotterdam is addressing significant challenges and opportunities associated with the anticipated increase in container volumes, particularly in managing road transport efficiently.
Key stakeholders have committed to collaborating through a “sector-wide negotiations for container transport by road” initiative.
This collaborative effort focuses on tackling issues to enhance traffic flow, safety, and the sustainability of road transport, thereby bolstering the Dutch port’s competitiveness. Similar initiatives have previously been implemented for inland shipping and rail transport.
The sector-wide negotiations on container transport by road are dedicated to establishing the safest, fairest, most sustainable, and efficient container logistics system possible. These efforts aim to reinforce Rotterdam’s and the Netherlands’ leading position as Europe’s premier transport hub.
The participating stakeholders believe that a unified approach is key to managing the projected growth in road transport to and from the port effectively. This collaboration ensures seamless operations to the hinterland while adhering to social priorities, including safety and sustainability.
The initiative focuses on six strategic objectives:
- Distributing road transport more evenly, with increased activity outside peak hours.
- Developing a dynamic port planning system.
- Achieving zero-emission container transport by road.
- Reducing empty trips and improving truckload efficiency.
- Enhancing security throughout the logistics chain to ensure safe port operations.
- Striving for zero incidents to establish a fully safe road transport network.
Moreover, the sector-wide negotiations for container transport by road involve collaborative working groups comprising transporters, freight forwarders, shippers, terminals, depots, ship agents, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. These groups focus on implementing key strategic priorities, with initial efforts targeting sustainability and safety.
Alongside these activities, joint fact-finding research has been conducted to assess the impact of rising container volumes and emerging autonomous developments on road transport. The research also evaluates the potential benefits of the strategic priorities to guide their further development.
While the primary goal is to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of road transport within the Port of Rotterdam, the initiative also seeks to promote a balanced and dynamic distribution of container transport across all modalities, including road, rail, and inland shipping.
