Shipping and the Netherlands
The Netherlands has an open economy as one of world‘s 10 leading exporters.
The maritime cluster contributes significantly to that position, because more than
half of the turnover is realized abroad. The Dutch maritime cluster is active on all
continents and includes; ports, offshore, maritime supplies, shipbuilding, maritime
shipping, dredging, maritime services (including maritime education and
knowledge institutes), inland shipping, water supply industry and fishing.
Reasons for economic
growth
The Dutch economy continues to
experience a strong and broad-based
economic recovery. The second quarter
showed an unusually high growth rate of 1.5
GDP. This strong quarterly performance is
a major reason why our most recent
forecast called for growth of 3.3% in 2013.
The economy is firing on all cylinders, with
consumption, exports and investments all
contributing to the return to full capacity in
2017. There are many factors that have
contributed to this economic growth in the
Netherlands, and some of these reasons will
be elaborated in the subsequent paragraphs.
Inland shipping, as the expedition of
container transport to and from the main
port of Rotterdam, has grown significantly
over the past 10 years. The inland
waterways and inland shipping have a
capacity system which transports large
volumes compared to transport by lorry
and plane. Inland shipping also produces far
less carbon dioxide. Moreover, inland
shipping accidents are rare. Inland shipping
has made a considerable contribution to
keep the main port accessible. For that
reason, the Dutch government has
encouraged the transport of goods on
inland waterways in other to keep the main
port accessible, which has led to the rapid
growth of inland shipping vessels, ports and
employment in the Netherlands.
Port Development
Rotterdam main port development has also
contributed to economic growth in the
Netherlands. The port of Rotterdam makes
a significant contribution to the Dutch
economy. The main port development
project (PMR) is aimed at ensuring that the
port has space to grow and moreover, that
it becomes more livable. The port of
Rotterdam plays an essential role in
transport of goods, which is a major pillar
of the Dutch economy. In the coalition
agreement, the cabinet firmly supported the
further development of the port and
industrial areas through the construction of
new port areas (Maavlakte ii) together with
related environmental compensation.
Rotterdam port is Europe‘s most important
port. Over 7% of what we all earn together
is produced in this area. The port of
Rotterdam is of particularly great
importance to transport, logistics, energy