A special Dutch state-appointed committee says Rotterdam needs a more flexible port authority with greater sector input, but has stopped short of proposing the privatisation of the Rotterdam Municipal Port Group.
Lloyd's List reported that the De Vries Committee was appointed by the Dutch Government to examine the future structure of the port authority.
Led by Klaas de Vriese, the committee recommended a new broad executive body be created to develop an improved vision of Rotterdam as a key port and to ensure Rotterdam Municipal Port Group remained vigilant.
It was felt there was scope to establish an independent limited company - similar to the one managing Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam.
Rotterdam port, recently named Best European Seaport in the Asian Freight Industry Awards (Afia) for the 12th consecutive year, recorded 5.2 per cent growth in total cargo throughput to 307.3 million tonnes last year.
Container traffic rose 8.2 per cent to 5.34 million teu (20 ft equivalent units).
