Rotterdam is working hard towards the future. Every year, the port substantially invests in: new infrastructure, ICT, new industrial sites, but also in improving the living conditions in the residential areas surrounding the port. One of the starting points of the port of Rotterdam is that only a sustainable port has a bright future.

Creating new land
Rotterdam is preparing the reclamation of almost 2,000 extra hactares (4,500 acres) of new industrial land right off the coast. This 'Maasvlakte 2' will create space necessary for future port activities.

Investing in existing areas
There are several projects aimed at facilitating better use of existing port areas. The objective is to gain 200 ha of space by 2021 through redevelopment, land reclamation and/or intensified use of port-related functions. The additional space will be used to allocate new sites or to accommodate other port-related functions. The result will enable even better utilisation of the existing port, pending availability of the new space on Maasvlakte 2.

Building infrastructure
The port continuously invests in infrastructure. The construction of tunnels and the widening of roads for example allows for a further improvement of traffic circulation. The already extensive underground network of piplines is constantly being expanded, both within the port and deeper into Europe. One of the most striking projects aimed at optimizing Rotterdam's accessibility is the Betuwe Route. The Betuwe Route constistues a dedicated freight railway line that provides a direct link between the port of Rotterdam and the German hinterland.

A clean, sustainable port
Only a clean, sustainable port has a future. Each decision to invest is therefore carefully balanced against its impact on the environment. This applies to both land and water. Rotterdam has been very succesful in cleaning land sites, waterways and harbour basins, and keeping them that way. The port aims to be an attractive business location with a pleasant living climate.

Online information and communication services
Information technology plays an essential role for managing the constantly growing volumes or cargo passing through the port. The Port of Rotterdam Authority, Customs and the (port) business community have together developed a port-wide community system. This system aims to offer all parties in the port the possibility to quickly, effciently and accurately exchange data electronically, thus optimizing logistics and boasting the level of customer service.