Accessibility
Optimizing the position of the Netherlands
as a logistic hub in Northwest Europe
contributes to further expansion of the
significance of the country as a maritime
nation. The government and industry face a
mutual challenge. The accessibility of the
Netherlands has to be increased while
congestion should be reduced. To
accomplish this, all modalities must be
deployed, where in particular, the inland
waterways and short sea transport offer
excellent opportunities. Security and stability
Safety and the
environment CONCLUSION
Safety and the environment are important
as prerequisites for the economic growth
possibilities of the maritime cluster. Only a
safe, environmentally friendly and
sustainable operating maritime cluster can
continue to live up to its economic
potentials. Lean sea and inland waterways
contribute to the improvement of the
quality of life of local residents around the
ports. There are relentless efforts by the
government and industry for a safer, more
internationally friendly and sustainable
development of the shipping industry.
The rise of new geo-political and economic
powers, shifting international power
relations such as cross-border crime
(including piracy), illegal migration, cyber
security, proliferation of mass destruction
weapons and terrorism have led to a more
obscure and unpredictable world.
International and external security, including
within the maritime domain, are becoming
increasingly conjoined.
From the points mentioned above, it is
clear that shipping and maritime transport
has great influence in the economy of
Netherlands. For example, an inland
waterway expansion may improve vessel
access and reduce their freight, but creating
a barrier to other vessels and stimulating
more dispersed route development
patterns reduces access by other routes
and increase the total amount of ship
movements.
It is important to consider the full
range of socioeconomic impacts, both
positive and negative, that the
shipping and transport project may
cause.