Europe’s maritime gateway to the European market
Major ports in the Netherlands play a central role in the European and global logistics landscape.
Strategically located at the heart of Europe and at the mouths of the Rhine, Maas, and Scheldt rivers, Dutch sea and inland ports handle vast volumes of goods, making them critical to supply chains across the continent.
Dutch ports at a glance
#1 port of Europe
Port of Rotterdam
13
seaports
+40
inland ports
14.2m TEU
container throughput (Rotterdam)
428m tonnes
annual cargo throughput (Rotterdam)
+200 ports
direct martime connections
Europe’s maritime gateway
The Netherlands is Europe’s leading maritime gateway, offering international companies direct access to global trade routes and seamless connections to customers across Europe. Its network of 13 seaports combines world-class deep-sea facilities with specialised regional ports and an extensive inland waterway system, creating one of Europe’s most efficient maritime logistics ecosystems. Whether importing raw materials, distributing finished products or supporting manufacturing and e-commerce supply chains, Dutch ports provide the scale, reliability and connectivity needed to serve the European market efficiently.
Port of Rotterdam: Europe’s largest seaport
At the heart of the Dutch port network is the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest seaport and one of the world’s most advanced and digitally connected ports. As the first port of call for many intercontinental shipping services, Rotterdam offers direct connections to more than 200 ports worldwide and handles around 428 million tonnes of cargo annually. Its deep-water terminals accommodate the world’s largest container vessels, while continuous investments in digitalisation, renewable energy infrastructure and low-carbon logistics ensure the port remains future-ready.
A network of specialised ports
The strength of the Netherlands extends well beyond Rotterdam. A complementary network of specialised ports allows companies to select the gateway that best fits their industry and supply chain.
- Port of Amsterdam is a leading hub for liquid bulk, agribulk and circular economy activities, with a strong focus on sustainable chemicals and recycling.
- North Sea Port, spanning the Netherlands and Belgium, is a cross-border multimodal port specialising in industrial logistics, steel, chemicals and bulk cargo.
- Groningen Seaports is an important centre for offshore wind, hydrogen, energy infrastructure and emerging industries.
- Port of Moerdijk combines deep-sea access with excellent inland waterway, rail and road connections, making it an attractive location for logistics and industrial distribution.
Connected to the European hinterland
Dutch ports are fully integrated with road, rail and inland waterway networks, allowing goods to move efficiently into Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Northern Italy and beyond. With more than 40 inland ports and one of Europe’s densest inland waterway networks, companies can reduce congestion, lower emissions and position inventory closer to their customers.
Driving the energy transition
The Dutch port system is evolving from a traditional logistics gateway into a network of integrated energy and industrial hubs. Across the country, ports are investing in hydrogen infrastructure, offshore wind, renewable fuels, shore power, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and circular industrial clusters. These developments help companies build resilient supply chains while supporting Europe’s transition to a more sustainable economy.
Why is the Netherlands the ideal gateway to Europe?
Home to Europe’s largest port and a network of sea ports
Unrivalled connectivity via sea, inland waterways, rail, and road
Sustainable and smart maritime sector driving innovation and value
How can HIDC help?
HIDC can help you identify the most suitable Dutch port for your European supply chain and introduce you to experienced logistics providers, terminal operators and supply chain partners that match your business requirements.