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Havenbedrijf Rotterdam NV

Port of Rotterdam

The Port of Rotterdam Authority manages and develops Europe's largest port as a logistics hub and industrial complex.

Lobbying Activity

Major European ports demand mandates for circular products

6 Nov 2025
Topic — New EU policy framework to align industrial and trade policies with circularity.
Message — The ports call for mandatory targets for circular content in products to create market demand. They request simplified waste definitions and harmonized criteria to facilitate the reuse of materials. Additionally, they propose designating ports as acceleration zones with fast-track permitting for circular projects.123
Why — This would lower administrative burdens and boost the competitiveness of European port-industrial clusters.45
Impact — Foreign producers of cheap fossil-based goods would face tougher trade barriers and anti-dumping measures.67
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Meeting with Kitti Nyitrai (Head of Unit Energy) and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International

28 Oct 2025 · Role of ports in the development of the European hydrogen and CO2 value chains

Port of Rotterdam Urges EU Hydrogen Import and Security Strategy

12 Oct 2025
Topic — The EU is updating its energy security laws to address geopolitical risks.
Message — The port requests a dedicated EU hydrogen import strategy and funding for necessary infrastructure like terminals. They also urge modernizing port security regulations to address hybrid warfare and cyber threats.123
Why — This would strengthen the port’s position as a vital energy and raw materials hub.4
Impact — Domestic hydrogen producers could face competitive pressure from a push for cheaper international imports.5
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Port of Rotterdam urges EU strategy for CO2 infrastructure corridors

11 Sept 2025
Topic — EU consultation on establishing competitive markets and transportation infrastructure for carbon dioxide.
Message — The Port of Rotterdam urges an EU-wide CO2 infrastructure strategy focused on strategic corridors. They request that advanced projects be shielded from new regulatory burdens while fast-tracking permitting. They also propose financial tools to bridge the gap between costs and carbon prices.123
Why — This would solidify Rotterdam's position as a dominant hub for European carbon management.4
Impact — Developers of competing parallel pipelines may be sidelined to prioritize specific strategic corridors.5
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Port of Rotterdam calls for technology-neutral EU energy diplomacy

11 Sept 2025
Topic — This initiative sets the EU global climate and energy strategy for 2025-2029.
Message — The port requests a strategy supporting both domestic production and large-scale energy imports. They advocate for a technology-neutral approach including low-carbon hydrogen and carbon capture. They also seek increased financing for critical infrastructure like import terminals.123
Why — This would cement the port’s status as Europe’s primary gateway for energy imports.4
Impact — Renewable energy advocates lose ground if the EU prioritizes fossil-linked low-carbon hydrogen technologies.5
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Response to European climate resilience and risk management law

4 Sept 2025

Please find attached the contribution of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
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Port of Rotterdam urges EU support for green fuel infrastructure

29 Aug 2025
Topic — The EU initiative seeks to boost investment in renewable and low-carbon fuels for maritime transport.
Message — The Port recommends prioritizing bunkering infrastructure and providing operational funding for alternative fuels. They advocate for a cluster approach to integrate fuel production and distribution.12
Why — Subsidies would reduce the port’s investment risks and help maintain its global competitive position.34
Impact — Ship owners suffer from high fuel costs and financial risks associated with immature energy markets.5
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Port of Rotterdam urges CBAM alignment with carbon market rules

25 Aug 2025
Topic — Extending the carbon border tax to cover additional downstream imported goods.
Message — The port authority requests that any expansion of the carbon tax align with emissions trading rules and reinvest revenues into industry. They advocate for simplified reporting requirements to avoid harming the competitiveness of global product chains.123
Why — Simplifying rules and earmarking revenues would lower costs for local port industries.4
Impact — Foreign exporters face higher barriers and costs to enter the European market.5
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Major ports urge dedicated 'ports chapter' in EU grid package

4 Aug 2025
Topic — EU initiative to modernize electricity grids and accelerate hydrogen infrastructure development.
Message — Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges request a dedicated 'ports chapter' and priority grid access. They advocate for faster permitting and financial support for hydrogen import terminals.123
Why — This would allow the ports to resolve grid congestion and prevent massive emission increases.4
Impact — Companies outside port areas lose access as 'first come first served' rules are abolished.5
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Meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Commissioner) and

17 Jul 2025 · Implementation Dialogue on ramping up renewable and low-carbon maritime and aviation fuels production in the EU

Port of Rotterdam urges focus on strong industrial clusters

11 Jul 2025
Topic — European Commission initiative to define priorities for port competitiveness and energy transition.
Message — The Port advocates for accelerating current regulations instead of creating new administrative burdens. They request prioritized funding for infrastructure and faster permitting for energy projects. They also urge support for hydrogen imports to ensure strategic energy autonomy.123
Why — Streamlined permitting and infrastructure funding would cement Rotterdam’s position as a global energy hub.4
Impact — Less developed ports may receive less support as funding shifts toward established leaders.5
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Rotterdam and Antwerp ports urge industrial cluster designation

7 Jul 2025
Topic — The consultation seeks views on accelerating industrial decarbonisation and supporting European competitiveness.
Message — The ports advocate for an 'industrial cluster' designation within the Act to accelerate permitting and infrastructure projects. They request a broader focus on energy infrastructure and the creation of 'umbrella permits' for entire industrial areas.12
Why — This status would reduce administrative hurdles and prioritize their energy infrastructure investments.34
Impact — Environmental protection standards may weaken due to requests for construction emission exemptions.56
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Meeting with Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and Deltalinqs

15 Apr 2025 · Work visit

Meeting with Felix Fernandez-Shaw (Director Directorate-General for International Partnerships) and

1 Apr 2025 · Plenary Feedback round on previously held GGIA Working Group sessions of 9 different thematical groups regarding Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Meeting with Stefano Signore (Head of Unit Directorate-General for International Partnerships) and TotalEnergies SE and

1 Apr 2025 · Exchange of views on the challenges and opportunities for renewable hydrogen development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

Port of Rotterdam Urges EU to Tackle Upstream Water Pollution

4 Mar 2025
Topic — The EU is developing a multi-annual strategy for cross-sectoral water resilience.
Message — The Port demands a polluter pays approach to stop upstream contaminants from accumulating downstream. They seek a balanced regulatory view on dredging and better cross-border coordination.12
Why — This would shift the financial burden of decontamination away from port authorities to original polluters.34
Impact — Upstream polluters would face increased costs as responsibility shifts from downstream ports to the source.56
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Meeting with Ingeborg Ter Laak (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Feb 2025 · Water

Meeting with Ton Diepeveen (Member of the European Parliament)

17 Jan 2025 · Werkbezoek aan de haven van Rotterdam

Meeting with Kathleen Van Brempt (Member of the European Parliament) and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International

14 Jan 2025 · Event SupPORTing Europe: Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges accelerating EU’s competitive and clean industry

Meeting with Magda Kopczynska (Director-General Mobility and Transport) and TotalEnergies SE and

6 Dec 2024 · Investments in sustainable liquid fuels production in the EU

Port of Rotterdam urges swift adoption of hydrogen rules

25 Oct 2024
Topic — The consultation defines a methodology to determine greenhouse gas emission savings for low-carbon fuels.
Message — The Port calls for the timely adoption of rules to support the hydrogen market's development. They emphasize that Europe must work with other continents to make importing low-carbon hydrogen possible.12
Why — Establishing these standards helps the port diversify its energy sources and maintain its competitiveness.3
Impact — Domestic renewable hydrogen producers may struggle against cheaper imported low-carbon alternatives.4
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Meeting with Rachel Blom (Member of the European Parliament) and ProRail

1 Oct 2024 · Introductory meeting

Meeting with Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament)

1 Oct 2024 · Port strategy

Response to Interim evaluation of the Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027

24 Sept 2024

Please find enclosed the feedback on behalf of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. In our feedback we chose to combine the CEF 2014-2020 - evaluation and CEF 2021-2027 interim evaluation since we consider the points listed in the feedback relevant for both consultations.
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Response to Ex-post evaluation of the Connecting Europe Facility 2014-2020

24 Sept 2024

Please find enclosed the feedback on behalf of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. In our feedback we chose to combine the CEF 2014-2020 - evaluation and CEF 2021-2027 interim evaluation since we consider the points listed in the feedback relevant for both consultations.
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Response to Guidance to facilitate the designation of renewables acceleration areas

21 Feb 2024

The Port of Rotterdam and Deltalinqs welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the call for evidence on guidelines for identifying renewable energy acceleration areas that will be provided by the Commission as part of the revised Renewable Energy Directive. Ports are the central link of supply chains and are major hubs of energy. As a result, ports play a crucial role in realizing the energy transition. Businesses, governments and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are working towards a common goal: a CO2-neutral port. The energy transition in the port of Rotterdam is up to speed. Over 70 port initiatives in the energy transition have been bundled on an interactive map (https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases/interactive-transition-map-shows-over-70-projects). Facilitating the licensing process for renewable energy projects will be crucial in the coming years to get the many transition projects further off the ground. About 7000 PJ of energy arrives in Rotterdam annually by sea - equal to about 12% of the EU's total energy demand. A robust energy infrastructure in the port of Rotterdam, linked to the European hinterland, is essential to facilitate sustainable development and energy security in Northwest Europe. The realization of all these plans and projects cannot be taken for granted. To achieve the climate targets, full priority must be given to smooth implementation of sustainability projects in the coming years. Current European policies and legal procedures still make little provision for providing leeway to enable the transition. This may slow down the energy and raw materials transition and this is currently putting pressure on the investment climate for sustainable investments to take place in Europe. Focusing in Europe on an 'area-based acceleration approach' for the energy and raw materials transition is key to a successful and timely transition from industrial clusters such as energy ports. Speeding up the licensing of transition projects is crucial in this respect, for example with a focus on strengthening the electricity grid. Many projects will otherwise stall, and this jeopardizes European climate targets. The focus on smooth implementation of hydrogen projects is very important here. This involves both hydrogen production and import at the port of Rotterdam. Instead of one-sided focusing on projects of strategic importance, a focus on acceleration areas will more adequately maximize the potential of industrial port areas. In these areas, projects would be able to benefit from relaxed permitting requirements, faster access to public and private funding, and be able to innovate through regulatory sandboxes. Focus on smooth implementation is crucial in the coming period. The port of Rotterdam wants to act as an important transition accelerator for Europe regarding energy and raw materials projects.Nowadays and in the future. The annex contains all relevant detailed information. Port of Rotterdam Authority Deltalinqs
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Meeting with Caroline Nagtegaal (Member of the European Parliament) and Transport and Environment (European Federation for Transport and Environment) and

13 Feb 2024 · EU ETS Maritime

Meeting with Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and North Sea Port and

31 Aug 2023 · European Port Strategy

Port of Rotterdam demands regulatory exemptions for carbon capture

28 Aug 2023
Topic — The consultation addresses the deployment of EU-wide CO2 transport and storage infrastructure.
Message — The Port of Rotterdam requests that the Commission recognize the necessity of carbon capture for meeting 2030 climate targets. They propose a stimulating regulatory framework that includes temporary exemptions from EU nature protection laws to prevent project delays.12
Why — Bypassing environmental rules would allow the port to complete major infrastructure projects without lengthy permit delays.3
Impact — Local ecosystems and conservation efforts are threatened by weakening protections for birds and habitats.45
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Meeting with Frans Timmermans (Executive Vice-President)

11 May 2023 · Energy transition in European ports

Port of Rotterdam calls for stable biofuel policy framework

22 Dec 2022
Topic — The European Commission is updating the list of sustainable biofuel feedstocks.
Message — The Port of Rotterdam urges a long term predictable and stable policy framework to secure new production. They highlight that the current revision causes uncertainty for pending investments in biofuel plants.12
Why — Stability would help maintain their status as the leading global biobased industrial cluster.3
Impact — Industrial developers risk losing capital due to regulatory uncertainty regarding new production plants.4
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Meeting with Tom Berendsen (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Aug 2022 · Work visit

Port of Rotterdam Urges Realistic Rules for Renewable Hydrogen

17 Jun 2022
Topic — EU methodology for assessing greenhouse gas savings from recycled carbon and renewable fuels.
Message — The Port requests realistic production conditions and a dedicated impact assessment to ensure investment certainty. They seek clarity on rules for non-EU imports and lower thresholds for bidding zones.123
Why — Realistic regulations would secure investment cases and facilitate the Port's massive hydrogen import ambitions.4
Impact — Future hydrogen producers face higher costs and restricted capacity due to strict energy matching rules.5
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Meeting with Frans Timmermans (Executive Vice-President)

10 May 2022 · boat trip and official presentation of the port’s hydrogen ambitions

Meeting with Tatiana Marquez Uriarte (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

26 Apr 2022 · REPower EU, Gas package

Response to Amendment of protective measures against pests of plants - Thaumatotibia leucotreta

9 Mar 2022

With an annual throughput of nearly 470 million tons, Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and employs roughly 385.000 people. The Port of Rotterdam plays a crucial role in the import of fresh fruits and vegetables in the European Union and is the main logistic hub for citrus from South Africa in Europe. The principle of open markets and free trade is essential for the continuity of the Port of Rotterdam. We therefore trust that any EU import policy which results in restrictions for trade is proportionate to the risk, scientifically justified, the least trade restrictive and not based on protectionism. The recent years there has already been a significant increase of cold damage on oranges (both on conventional and organic) due to the increasingly strict system in South Africa, leading to quality-issues and more food waste. Requiring a mandatory (very strict) cold treatment for all oranges from South Africa (and other countries from the African continent) will have an even more negative effect on the fruits, making it almost impossible to export organic fruits and several varieties of conventional oranges. Already third countries are searching for other destinations outside of the European Union, which is reinforced by the increasing SPS demands. This could result in a worldwide change of trade flows and therefore less export/volume to the European ports. Therefore, we would kindly advise the European Commission to reconsider the proposed changes in the protective measures and instead, sustain the effective alternative cold treatment protocols that are already in place.
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Meeting with Caroline Nagtegaal (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

26 Jan 2022 · AFIR/ETD

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

28 May 2021 · "Hydrogen coffee" meeting on transporting hydrogen by sea, including the role of ports play within the hydrogen ecosystem and the international trade of Europe.

Meeting with Adina-Ioana Vălean (Commissioner) and

2 Mar 2021 · Introductory meeting to present the port of Rotterdam

Meeting with Gerassimos Thomas (Director-General Taxation and Customs Union)

11 Nov 2020 · Videoconference on Readiness for the end of the transition period (Brexit)

Response to FuelEU Maritime

23 Apr 2020

Read our feedback in the file attached
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Meeting with Diederik Samsom (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

4 Mar 2020 · The European Green Deal

Meeting with Helena Hinto (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson), Kitti Nyitrai (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

3 Mar 2020 · Discussion on the European Green Deal, smart sector integration and industry decarbonisation, hydrogen

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy) and European Chemical Industry Council and

8 Jun 2018 · clean energy transition

Meeting with Miguel Arias Cañete (Commissioner) and European Chemical Industry Council and

8 Jun 2018 · Energy transition and the energy intensive industry

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

20 Oct 2017 · Energy policy

Response to Evaluation Energy Taxation Directive

25 Sept 2017

The Port of Rotterdam supports the tax exemption for shore-side electricity. If the EU wants to decarbonize maritime transport, it makes no sense that (green)shore-side electricity cannot compete with on-board generated electricity which is produced from the combustion of tax exempted fossil fuels. In addition to (EU, national or regional) subsidy and financing programmes, the EU should work towards a stimulating tax regime for lower emission on shore energy alternatives, i.e. a tax exemption to shore-side electricity. Inclusion of such a provision in the ETD is crucial to decarbonize our ports and improve local air quality.
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Response to Access to service facilities and rail-related services

17 Aug 2017

Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoR) would like to thank the EC for giving the opportunity to share our views. PoR has a main comment on the draft implementing regulation. Just as our colleagues from the Port of Antwerp our main concern is in the definition of rail related services. In our view the regulation should be limited to the access of rail related services and not include the loading and unloading of trains at freight terminals. The loading and unloading at freight terminals is a commercial activity from private enterprises in a extremely competitive market, which should not be burdened with extra administrative requirements from the EC. Therefore also charges and discount schemes of private freight terminals should not be disclosed as they are part of the free European market.
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Meeting with Violeta Bulc (Commissioner) and

19 Dec 2016 · Meeting with Mr Castelein, CEO of Port of Rotterdam

Meeting with Desiree Oen (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

28 Sept 2016 · TEN-T

Meeting with Bernardus Smulders (Cabinet of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans) and BUSINESSEUROPE and

14 Jun 2016 · Digital single market

Meeting with Henrik Hololei (Director-General Mobility and Transport)

22 Feb 2016 · Port Regulation