During the summer gathering of the Alliance of Container Hauliers (AZV), Bert van der Heijden spoke about the growth of the Port of Rotterdam and the challenges that come with it.
The Port of Rotterdam continues to grow. Millions of containers pass through every year, and expectations are that volumes will increase even further in the coming years. But is the sector prepared for this? During the summer gathering of the Alliance of Container Hauliers (AZV), chairman Bert van der Heijden shared his vision.
Bert expressed his concerns about the increasing pressure on the sector and underlined the importance of collaboration.
“If we do nothing – such as combining trips, truly embracing digitalisation, or exploring alternatives like night or Saturday operations – the port will eventually grind to a halt,” Bert stated.
Collaboration across the chain
Collaboration is not a luxury, but a necessity. Not only between fellow hauliers, but also with terminals, depots, inland shipping, rail transport, and customers. Only by working together can congestion be addressed, ensuring the port remains future-proof.
Sustainability and innovation
Sustainability also played a key role in the speech. The use of HVO100 fuel, which can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90%, and the introduction of electric trucks are, according to Bert, concrete steps towards a greener port. At the same time, he emphasized that this transition requires major investments, and that government support from The Hague is essential.
Digitalisation and AI
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence provide opportunities to plan trips more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. “It is not about who drives the cheapest kilometre, but about trust and cooperation,” Bert explained.
The summer gathering took place during the World Port Days, aboard a party ship overlooking the Port of Rotterdam – the very heart of the sector. Bert concluded with a clear message:
