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The port of Rotterdam is a port to the World. Rotterdam is the chief gateway for goods destined
for the European hinterland, a position Rotterdam has been able to hold on to in the face of
cutthroat competition. But the Port of Rotterdam is not only an economic powerhouse. It also leads the pack in innovation and
sustainability - something we can all be proud of in view of our changing climate.
The Port of Rotterdam is still growing. The port's industrial area is being expanded into the
North Sea, where a new port is being built on new land. The first stage of Maasvlakte 2 is scheduled for completion in 2013, consisting of 700 hectares
of new port and capable of handling the largest ships. The hustle and bustle so
typical of ports has disappeared from the city. Office buildings and homes have arisen where
in decades past stevedores and sailors roamed the streets and steam cranes offloaded ships.
Rotterdam's urban harbours will soon be transformed into sophisticated housing and
business properties. Over a period of 20 to 40 years, the city of Rotterdam and the port
authority will be developing state-of-the-art residential and commercial areas here
in cooperation with private interests. Business and education have joined hands to
work on sustainability.
They are developing new, sustainable technologies for use in the port, emphasising water management
and the transition to sustainable energy sources. To give an example, floating houses are being
developed for use in the city's urban ports - one answer to the problems caused by the rising
sea level.
This partners well with Rotterdam's environmental ambitions as laid out in the Rotterdam Climate
Initiative. Rotterdam wants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50 per cent by 2025, compared to
1990 levels. In light of the developments discussed above, this goal lies well within reach.
These new initiatives in Rotterdam's urban harbours and the port proper will enable Rotterdam
to maintain its status as a leading world city. The Port of Rotterdam remains an important world
port. That is why our new slogan is so fitting for Rotterdam: WORLD PORT, WORLD CITY.
Ahmed Aboutaleb
Mayor of Rotterdam
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