Port Thrives Despite Turbulent Year
By Simon West
Despite another turbulent year for the industry, the Port of Rotterdam, one of the largest breakbulk hubs in Europe, said 2021 had been one of opportunity, marked by key developments in energy, innovation and infrastructure.
The port's aim to become an international hydrogen hub forged ahead, with a deal signed with energy company Uniper for developing the production of green hydrogen at Uniper’s Maasvlakte site at Rotterdam.
A new hydrogen pipeline is also under development, while a first “hovering” hydrogen-powered racing boat was tested this year in port waters.
Shell meanwhile has taken a final investment decision for an 820,000 ton-per-year renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel facility at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam. The facility, one of Europe’s largest, is slated to come online in 2024.
Watch the Port of Rotterdam's annual reveiw video here
Rotterdam, host port for Breakbulk Europe 2022, May 17-19, has also been the test ground for some exciting innovations.
Offshore services firm Fugro’s Blue Essence uncrewed surface vessel was tested for the first time on port waters via an onshore remote operations center, while a pilot program was successfully carried out using long-range drones to monitor vessels and port activities.
The port also this year installed the world’s first 3D-printed steel bollards on a new quay in the Sleepboothaven at Rotterdam Heijplaat.
“Despite the pandemic and the blockage in the Suez Canal, we have achieved good figures in 2021 for the entire port complex. We have also taken fantastic steps in the field of digitization and energy transition,” said Allard Castelein, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority.
Rotterdam also made gains on some major infrastructure projects, including the start of construction work to expand quays and earth-retaining walls at the Princess Amalia Harbor, and the opening of the Theemsweg freight train route.
Theemsweg, comprising four kilometers of tracks and two arched bridges, links the port with its existing railway line.
“The entire chain, all the companies and all the professionals have worked extremely hard to keep the port open and efficient in order to provide quality services for our customers, for the Netherlands and for Europe,” Castelein said.
PHOTO 1: Thialf Heerema at Port of Rotterdam. CREDIT: KEES TOM
PHOTO 2: Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority. CREDIT: ERNST BODE
