Rotterdam's new harbour, Maasvlakte 2, is now protected against the severest of storms and wave attacks. On Monday 30 January, Rotterdam municipal executive councillor Jeannette Baljeu (Port, Transport and Regional Economy) laid the last block in the dam forming the hard sea wall of Maasvlakte 2.

The Port Authority asked McKinsey to make an analysis of the demand for and availability of container throughput capacity in Rotterdam in the coming years. The purpose of the study was to get an independent opinion on the situation as it will develop from 2014 onwards when the new terminals on Maasvlakte 2 become operational.

The Port Authority has always worked hard to have structurally good relationships with all its customers. The Port Authority's assignment is to ensure the long-term development of the port and industrial complex, in the interests of the Dutch economy.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority and the government are looking into the possibilities for constructing a wind farm with a potential of more than 100 MW on the seawall of Maasvlakte 2. To this end, the Port Authority will be launching an international market consultation this month, which will run until 9 December 2011. A decision will then be made on a possible selection procedure for this location.