|
|
Fifty years of 'Rotterdam Port Information' call for some reminiscence. This is not something that Rotterdammers
naturally do. They much prefer to look forward. The prevailing approach is that 'the future starts now'.
This is due to the long lasting effects of the devastation of World War II. So much had to be rebuilt; we
focused on looking ahead. The success of the reconstruction stirred up the Rotterdammers' practical
optimism yet further. In 1962, their port was the world's largest.
The optimism culminated in the late sixties with 'Plan 2000+'. The plan outlined a port that would be three
times as large as the current one, covering the entire Voorne countryside. Picturesque and historic centres like
Brielle and Heenvliet would be highlighted even more by their location amidst harbours and glittering
petrochemical complexes. A completely new city would house the tens of thousands of energetic harbour workers
and their families close to work, yet still outside.
However, the 'Plan 2000+' was quickly discarded by the Rotterdam city council as 'megalomaniac'. A few
years later, the first oil crisis gave a definitive blow to the school of thought that took for granted unbridled
economic growth, subordination of the environment to the economy, and the Port Authority as an omniscient authority.
Lessons were learned from the experience, which were reflected in the subsequent port development plans. The
Rotterdam port became an expression of the economic and social reality of Northwestern Europe and the
global trends in logistics and the industry. The dictates of the port experts evolved into scenarios and plans
based on the input from customers, citizens, interest groups and external experts. This approach was a
successful one, as investments significantly increased, transshipment records were frequently broken, and the
environmental impact was cut back at the same time.
Our newest plan, 'Port Vision 2030', is the next step in the process of acceptance, adoption and integration
of the world nearby and further away. The port vision is driven by sustainability, the emergence of new
markets and products and an intensification of the global exchange of goods. We have learned our
lessons and aim to belong to the best qualitative harbours in the world; remaining valued and used by
all relevant stakeholders. The future starts now.
I wish the editors of this unsurpassed guide to and within the port of Rotterdam a similar development and future.
Hans Smits,
President and CEO, Port of Rotterdam Authority
|
|
