Being ready for the future. Hence Maasvlakte 2! 
Standing still means going backwards. That definitely also applies to the port of Rotterdam. In the past few decades, the port has grown tremendously. If it is to meet the increasing demand in the future too, and in this way continue to play the leading role, expansion is a must. If the port fails to do this, there is a good chance that shipping companies will pass Rotterdam by in the future. With the construction of Maasvlakte 2, a high-quality, top location will be created in the heart of the European market. This will allow the port to keep going. 
 
Sustainability 
Naturally, the future of the port does not only depend on its position in the market. Quality of life and the environment are just as significant. For this reason, sustainability is a very important theme with Maasvlakte 2. With respect to both the construction and the choice of companies which will be allowed to set up business there. When it comes to the selection, therefore, not only financial returns will be taken into consideration. The environmental aspects, such as the amount of air pollution or noise nuisance caused by the company, will also be weighed. In short, a definite attempt will be made to find clients who operate in a sustainable manner for Maasvlakte 2.   
 
Nature projects 
Maasvlakte 2 cannot be constructed without nature having to make way. In order to minimise the impact on the environment, there will be extensive compensation. In addition to the creation of a sea bed protection area and the extension of the dunes, a so-called foredune will be constructed; a first line of dunes serving as a sea defence.   

The sea bed protection area used to be called a marine reserve. This wrongly suggests that the area in question is one in which many restrictions are in place to limit human activities. The focus, however, is on protecting the sea bed and providing rest areas for protected bird species.
  
Not investing in castles in the air 
Maasvlakte 2 will be created in stages. For instance, a start will only be made on the construction of the first port and industrial sites when there are the clients for them. In this way, the risks are reduced and there is the greatest chance of making a profit. By steering the project by means of a business case, we avoid the problem of shortly being faced with prepared sites which are unproductive. 

In the business case, an economic arithmetical model, data on market trends, customer demand, method of construction and a large number of other matters are taken into account. The business case is the finger on the pulse of the project. If there is a danger of the desired return on investments not being achieved, then action can be taken in time.
 
Design & Construct 
To prevent the construction from proving uncontrollable and the costs spiralling, work on Maasvlakte 2 will take place according to the principle of Design & Construct. This is a method which, unlike the traditional one, enables parties to bear the risks they can also influence. The contractor who becomes responsible for the construction signs an integrated design & construct contract. This means that the consortium is responsible for the design and its execution, as well as the risks associated with the work. This is possible because the contactor builds what he himself has designed.
   
Quality of life and the environment
Simultaneously with the construction of Maasvlakte 2, the quality of life in the region will be improved. With Maasvlakte 2, mainport Rotterdam will enhance its position and quality. This dual objective has been anchored in the Rotterdam Mainport Development Project (PMR) right from the start.