Europe’s largest port prepares for war with military operations and several amphibious military exercises
The Port of Rotterdam stretches 42 kilometers along the Meuse River and handles over 425 million tons of cargo annually.
Recent media reports indicate that Europe’s largest two ports: Port of Rotterdam and that of Antwerp are undertaking significant preparations related to potential military conflict, specifically with Russia.
The Port of Rotterdam is reserving specific dock space for NATO military cargo ships and this is the first time such infrastructure has been exclusively designated for defense use, even during the Cold War.
Both ports are also adapting terminals, including a container terminal at Rotterdam, to safely handle ammunition and other military supplies as not all commercial terminals are suitable for military-grade cargo.
ZeroNorth, Vitol and the port of Rotterdam have completed a first digital bunker delivery this week, marking the launch of a four-week trial. Read more: https://t.co/oTilMiXVIt #Digitalisation #Bunkering #Sustainability pic.twitter.com/BbioNKWDj1
— Port of Rotterdam Authority (@PortOfRotterdam) November 13, 2024
Both Rotterdam and Antwerp are coordinating closely, putting aside their usual competition, to ensure they can jointly manage a potential surge in military cargo from NATO allies (e.g., UK, US, Canada). If one port faces high volumes, the other can take overflow with the Dutch port also planning to host regular amphibious military drills multiple times a year.
Beyond military logistics
There is also a broader European effort at play and these ports are set to stockpile critical resources like medical supplies, raw materials (copper, lithium, graphite), energy equipment, food, and water.
The preparations are part of a wider European effort to boost defense readiness amidst heightened concerns about Russia’s military resurgence and its activities, particularly following the ongoing war in Ukraine. NATO officials, including Secretary General Mark Rutte, have warned about the possibility of Russia attacking a NATO country by 2030.
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