People of Rotterdam about sustainability

Nature in the port of Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s port area is surprisingly rich in animal and plant life. The ‘Green Gateway’ near the Rozenburg Peninsula is home to 20 hectares of riverbank nature. The dunes on the Maasvlakte also contain a wealth of nature, such as the Bird Valley: a nature area covering 21 hectares that was developed by the Port Authority.

Carbon Capture and Storage
The most effective way to reduce carbon emissions quickly is to capture and store CO2. The Port Authority has teamed up with a number of other parties to study the construction of a CO2 pipeline through the port area.

Job security agreement
In late 2016, trade unions, container companies and the Port Authority signed a joint sector agreement on employment conditions. An important feature of the agreement was job security until July 2020 for all port personnel with permanent contracts.

Without protection, a submerged steel surface will gradually corrode. That is why steel quay walls are generally fitted with sacrificial anodes, which draw rust away from the steel itself. There is an alternative protection method, however: using anodes that are charged with ‘impressed current’. At the HES Hartel Tank Terminal in the port of Rotterdam, no fewer than 2 km of steel quay wall are currently being protected via this method, which is more sustainable and ‘smarter’ than conventional anodes

Heat alliance
The port’s industrial sector generates a lot of residual heat that is currently lost to surface water or the air. With the construction of an underground network of pipelines the port can supply heat to potentially 500.000 homes.

Startbaan project
Through the Startbaan project, the Rotterdam Port Authority gives young people without basic qualifications for the employment market, an opportunity to obtain a diploma and therefore improve their job prospects.

CO2 footprint
The Port Authority not only encourages companies in the port to reduce their carbon emissions, it is also taking action itself. For example by commissioning hybrid patrol vessels.

Clean vessels: real discount
Sea-going vessels that comply with standards above the statutory requirement qualify for a discount of up to 20% on port dues. Inland vessels also receive a discount.

FutureLand
FutureLand is the Port Authority’s premier information centre at Maasvlakte 2. Every year, some 110.000 people visit the centre and enjoy its programme of boat tours, exhibitions and guided coach tours. The interactive exhibits at FutureLand present all sorts of interesting information about energy, logistics, sustainability and the development of the port.

The Rotterdam Port Welfare Committee
The Rotterdam Port Welfare Committee supports projects and initiatives undertaken by an variety of organisations for the benefit of seafarers. For example the seamen’s institutes.

RDM Rotterdam
Experience the third revolution at RDM Rotterdam. A manufacturing industry that can create new jobs for the employees of the future.

Mobile e-nose
Two of the Port Authority’s patrol vessels have an electronic sensor (known as e-noses). Which is used to identify noxious and hazardous substances. On land there are more than 250 e-noses in the port.

Truck stops
Throughout the port area, the Port of Rotterdam Authority has realised five dedicated stops for visiting trucks. The largest truck stop – Maasvlakte Plaza – has over 350 parking spaces.

Solar power
Solar power is starting to gain ground in our port. There is a pilot study in progress with floating solar panels at the Sluter. An the lights on the dolphins that line Caland Canal are powered by the sun.

LED lighting in the Port of Rotterdam
The Port Authority will be replacing all public lighting in the port area with LED lights. This has already been completed on the Maasvlakte, and the other port areas will follow before 2020. LED lights last longer and consume 50% less electricity than conventional lights.