The Port of Rotterdam Authority said that its gross investments increased 91% to EUR408.1 million (USD461Mln) in 2018, the highest level since the construction of Maasvlakte 2.
By far the largest part of this amount was used to further improve the logistical accessibility of the port of Rotterdam, for example by starting construction of the Container Exchange Route and building the Princess Amalia Viaduct, said a press release from the largest port in Europe, located in the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands.
"Together with partners, we are also working on the more efficient handling of shipping traffic. In 2018, for example, we launched Pronto, the digital app that reduces ships’ waiting times by 20%. In 2018 we also acquired a minority stake in the port of Pecém in Brazil. We plan to develop this port into a self-sufficient, increasingly sustainable and profitable complex. We provide Pecém with the necessary expertise and financial and other resources, at an attractive rate of return for us," it said.
"Our world is changing rapidly and profoundly. Global developments such as the energy and raw materials transition, digitisation and changing goods flows have far-reaching consequences for all our activities. Flexibility and adaptability are therefore required in the further development and renewal of the Rotterdam port and industrial area,"Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said.
"To maintain prosperity in our region, the Netherlands and Northwest Europe, we must create sufficient space for developments today and tomorrow. Our strategy therefore primarily focuses on innovative capacity, broadening the portfolio and enhancing the business climate," he added.
"We are working constantly to increase our added value. Research has shown that the port of Rotterdam contributes €45.6 billion to gross domestic product. Some 1.2 million people live in and around the port, and the port directly and indirectly employs 385,000 people in the Netherlands (source: Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Rotterdam Effect, published in November 2018)," Allard said.
"A healthy and attractive living environment for local residents and employees in the port is important for creating economic and social value," he said.