Choice for sustainable
Companies planning to locate on Maasvlakte 2 must demonstrate that they intend to operate their container terminal in a sustainable manner. Less hinterland transport by road, for instance, and more by rail and inland shipping. But emissions of air pollutants, light and noise are also taken into consideration when assessing the plans of future clients. 
In this way, the sustainable development of the port features very clearly in the policy. This is due to the stringent European regulations governing environmental issues and on the basis of the Port Authority’s responsibility for the environment in which it operates.
 
Estimating cargo
For the fourteen candidates who are competing for the contract to set up the first terminal in the new port, the new policy has implications. For example, a proposal must be put forward regarding the use of the terminal. In this connection, the Port Authority is asking the candidates to give a guaranteed volume for every year of the total period of operation: the number of containers they expect to handle (incoming and outgoing) via Rotterdam.  
 
Bonus-penalty
Should this prove more or less favourable in practice, then a system of bonuses and penalties comes into force. This goes as follows. If the terminal operator handles more than estimated, he gets discount on the (extra) port dues he has to pay. Less throughput than estimated leads to additional payment of a percentage of the ‘lost’ port dues.
 
Proposal
The fourteen interested companies have until the summer to work out their plans in more detail and consult with the Port Authority before coming up with a proposal. Shortly after the summer, this will result in the selection of just a few candidates with whom the final negotiations will subsequently commence. In the second half of 2007, it will then be possible to sign an agreement with one party so that the contractor can get down to work on the construction of Maasvlakte 2 in spring 2008. Depending on the wishes of the first client, the first terminal could be ready for use between 2012 and 2014.