Port of Rotterdam’s New Tariff Structure Promotes Sustainability and Efficiency Starting in 2025

Port of Rotterdam’s New Tariff Structure Promotes Sustainability and Efficiency Starting in 2025

(IN BRIEF) The Port of Rotterdam Authority has announced a new tariff structure for seaport and inland port dues, effective from 1 January 2025. The changes, which include a 6% increase in 2025 and subsequent smaller increases in the following years, introduce sustainability incentives based on vessel performance. Vessels with high Environmental Ship Index scores or Green Award certificates will benefit from lower dues, while the efficient use of shipping capacity will also be rewarded. Inland port dues will increase by 5%, with the revenue directed towards sustainability projects. The updated tariffs aim to promote environmental responsibility, efficiency, and transparency in both seaport and inland shipping operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) ROTTERDAM, 12-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Port of Rotterdam Authority has finalized a new tariff structure for seaport and inland port dues, set to take effect from 1 January 2025. Following productive discussions with industry stakeholders, including Deltalinqs and the Association of Rotterdam Shipbrokers and Agents (VRC), the revised tariffs introduce significant changes designed to align with the Port of Rotterdam’s sustainability and efficiency goals.

The new tariffs will see a general indexation of seaport and inland port dues of 6% in 2025, followed by 3.5% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027. This marks a shift in how seaport dues are calculated, with a stronger focus on sustainability and the efficient use of resources. The previous system, based primarily on vessel size and throughput, will now incorporate a sustainability component that reflects the environmental performance of the vessels.

A key aspect of the updated tariff model is the introduction of incentives for vessels that score highly on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), an international standard for evaluating vessel sustainability. Vessels with a Green Award certificate or those using shipping capacity efficiently could benefit from lower seaport dues. This adjustment aims to reward shipping companies that prioritize environmental responsibility and efficiency, offering them the opportunity to reduce their dues while contributing to the reduction of emissions per transshipped tonne.

These changes, which are the first since 2022, are a part of the Port of Rotterdam’s broader strategy to become climate neutral by 2050. Matthijs van Doorn, Commercial Director at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, emphasized that the revised tariffs play a critical role in advancing the port’s sustainability goals while maintaining its competitiveness in the global market. “We are pleased to work with Deltalinqs and VRC in implementing these changes, which align with our long-term vision for a sustainable port.”

Deltalinqs Chair, Victor van der Chijs, praised the new structure for its simplicity and focus on driving sustainability in both seaport and inland shipping. “These changes encourage companies to accelerate their efforts toward a greener port, while also making the system easier to navigate. We thank everyone involved for their collaboration in this process,” he said.

In line with this, inland port dues will also see a 5% increase, with the additional revenue earmarked for sustainability projects within the inland shipping sector. Skippers who share emission data through the Green Award system will be eligible for a 5% discount on inland port dues, further incentivizing transparency and environmental responsibility. The system will also replace the current environmental differentiation scheme with an incentive-based structure, rewarding vessels with Green Award certificates of varying levels with discounts on inland port dues.

Kees Groeneveld, Chair of the VRC, highlighted the importance of these measures for the shipping industry. “Shipping companies are investing heavily in energy-efficient and sustainable vessels. The new tariff structure provides valuable recognition for these investments while ensuring the port continues to support a safe, well-connected, and future-proof infrastructure.”

The updated tariff system also introduces new discounts for barges that share location data, enhancing transparency, safety, and operational efficiency within the port. This increased visibility supports improved management of berth occupation rates and overall port safety.

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SOURCE: Port of Rotterdam