CONGESTION PRESSURES AROUND ROTTERDAM PORT CALL FOR URGENT ACTION
Traffic congestion around the Port of Rotterdam is set to worsen significantly over the coming decade, with warnings that delays of up to one hour could become the new normal if no action is taken. According to a recent quickscan by KPMG, commissioned by industry organisations including Deltalinqs, TLN/FENEX, VRTO and the RAI Association, growing freight and passenger volumes combined with major infrastructure maintenance risks pushing the region towards structural gridlock.
Industry representatives stress that the situation is becoming increasingly critical. Without coordinated intervention, rising demand and ageing infrastructure will lead to severe bottlenecks, undermining the efficiency of one of Europe’s most important logistics hubs. The study highlights that only strong public-private cooperation, combined with sustained investment in infrastructure, can prevent further deterioration.
The report identifies six priority measures to ease pressure on the network. These include the deployment of longer and more efficient truck combinations (EMS), improved planning and spreading of maintenance works, greater use of night-time transport supported by hinterland hubs, enhanced data sharing across the supply chain, the introduction of time- and location-based road pricing, and the expansion of public transport connections in the region.
A particularly concerning trend is the continued growth of road transport despite increasing congestion. Road already accounts for around 60% of transport flows in the region, with a reverse modal shift away from rail and inland waterways. If left unaddressed, this will further increase logistics costs, reduce supply chain resilience and weaken the strategic position of the Netherlands as a key European gateway.
Stakeholders are calling for the rapid development of a joint roadmap involving government authorities, the port authority and industry, stressing that the time for studies and pilot projects has passed. With infrastructure approaching the end of its lifecycle and demand continuing to grow, urgent and coordinated action is required.
The situation around Rotterdam reflects the increasing pressure on hinterland connections. In this context, CLECAT regrets that these issues are not more deeply addressed in the recent EU Ports Strategy, with greater attention to hinterland capacity, congestion management and modal balance.
Source: Nieuwsblad Transport