European Sea Port Pledges More Investment in Subcontinent

NETHERLANDS – INDIA – The Port of Rotterdam Authority has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to intensify its activities in India. The MoU's see the Port appoint a Representative Office in India and support the establishment of a maritime university in collaboration with educational institutions in Rotterdam. Rene van der Plas, Director of Port of Rotterdam International, commented:

“As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is investing heavily in the development of seaports, industrial areas and hinterland connections. That makes India an interesting partner in the field of trade, maritime industry and education but also in the field of digital developments and innovations.”

The Port of Rotterdam Authority has been active in India for a number of years, and those activities include consultancy assignments and programmes to attract cargo. The Authority has appointed Broekman Logistics as the Representative Team in India, with hope to develop its international activities further. This will involve consultancy assignments, selling of digital products, attracting investments and promoting maritime trade flows between India and Europe via Rotterdam.

Broekman Logistics India, operating in India since 2006, started its activities as a Representative in October 2019. With sixteen offices in India, it has a strong presence in all major ports and trading cities, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Kolkata. The local knowledge and the network in India provides added value which can be used to further intensify joint activities with parties in India.

In addition to working with Broekman Logistics India, the Port Authority will sign two Memorandums of Understanding during the trade mission and state visit to India: one with the Maharashtra Maritime Board and one with the state government of Kerala.

Both agreements are for consultancy assignments relating to maritime and logistics and the digital transition. The MoUs will complement the existing agreement between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Gujarat Maritime Board.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority is also supporting the Erasmus University Rotterdam and the Dutch Shipping & Transport College, for providing consultancy services related to the establishment of a maritime university in Gujarat.

The priorities of the current Indian government are to improve the 'ease of doing business' and to encourage manufacturing industry through the 'Make-in-India programme'. India ships about 95% of its trade volume overseas. Its location and long coastline with important international trade routes make India an important maritime country. Emile Hoogsteden, Director of Breakbulk and Logistics Containers, at the Port of Rotterdam, said:

“Rotterdam already has a strong position in trade with India but we think there is still plenty of potential to enhance our profile in the market and increase our market share, particularly through growth in retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), automotive accessories, and chemicals and pharmaceuticals.”

Photo: Cochin is the most prominent of Kerala’s seventeen seaports.