Bruyninckx calls for closer co-operation with port of Rotterdam

China is eyeing these smaller ports as a southern entry to Europe, which could mean savings worth billions in reduced transport costs and time.

Rotterdam’s port authority, however responded negatively to the appeal. “You don’t co-operate just for the sake of co-operation,” spokesperson Sjaak Poppe told De Volkskrant. “Bruyninckx has not presented a concrete plan.”

Rotterdam (pictured) agrees with Bruyninckx’s analysis that future growth lies in Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary but sees no need to increase its joint operations with Antwerp. The two ports currently work together in the field of petrochemicals.

According to one expert cited by the paper, Rob Zuidwijk, lecturer at the Rotterdam School of Business, co-operation makes sense for chemicals and steel, but not for container traffic. “You have to weigh the operational advantages against the strategic competition,” he said.

Rotterdam would do better, he said, to seek what advantages it can in working with competitors in the south. “If you can’t beat them, join them,” he said.

Photo: AlfvanBeem/Wikimedia