Port Authority satisfied with present tempo of decision making on Maasvlakte 2
09-05-2006The Port of Rotterdam Authority endorses the position adopted by Ministers Peijs and Dekker in the Ministerial Letter of 5 September relating to the Rotterdam Mainport Development Project:
there is every reason for the Lower House to give the go-ahead, this autumn, for the construction of Maasvlakte 2. The new Key Physical Planning Decision (PKB) can stand the test of criticism; a well-considered set of measures has been drafted to improve air quality and an initial lease has been signed with a company planning to set up business on Maasvlakte 2.
CEO Hans Smits: "If we want to retain our international competitive position, Maasvlakte 2 will have to be ready to take the first ships in 2013. Until then, the existing port can cope with the growth. If 2013 is to be feasible, construction must start in 2008. The next two years will be needed to complete all the legal procedures and to allow the contractor to make his preparations."
The Port Authority also points to the broad public support enjoyed by the Rotterdam Mainport Development Project. "The project is good for the economy and employment, but it also offers opportunities for improving the quality of life and the environment. As soon as work starts on Maasvlakte 2, a new 750-ha nature reserve will also be created around Rotterdam. In addition, the air quality will improve thanks to the well-considered set of measures we have agreed, not only in Rotterdam, but also in the hinterland. The Rotterdam Mainport Development Project provides the opportunity to break the trend: strengthening the economy goes hand in hand here with improving the environment and the quality of life", according to Hans Smits.
The Lower House must approve the PKB before the Port Authority, municipality, province and State can take the subsequent steps. These involve the concession for construction of the land reclamation, procedures in connection with the compensation to nature, drafting and modifying allocation plans, licences for sand dredging, etc. At the moment, the Port Authority is busy putting the final touches to the two EISs for the construction and use of Maasvlakte 2. These should be ready around the turn of the year and, together with the PKB, they constitute the basic documents for the licensing procedures. These will start in early 2007 and last some eighteen months.
Port of Rotterdam Authority
Page updated at: 07-07-2009