The Northern Dutch automotive, transport & logistics sector

Over the past decades, the Northern Netherlands has transformed its position on the edge of Europe into a powerful advantage for trade and transport. With direct access to the North Sea, strong cross-border links to Germany, and a well-developed network of rail, road, and inland waterways, the region has become an increasingly vital hub for the movement of goods. Its combination of modern infrastructure and strategic location supports not only traditional transport but also innovative solutions in logistics, making it a key player in both national and international supply chains.

The Northern Netherlands offers a unique mix of coastal access, inland waterways, and cross-border connections. Its maritime strength lies in three modern seaports: Eemshaven, Delfzijl, and Harlingen, complemented by the inland port of Meppel, which maintains a direct link to the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest seaport. Eemshaven, in particular, stands out for its dual advantage: its position opposite the German port of Emden allows it to benefit from both Dutch and German infrastructure, making it a pivotal point for regional and international logistics.

Beyond its maritime strengths, the Northern Netherlands is well-integrated into European transport networks. The province of Drenthe, particularly around Emmen, offers strong rail freight connections through hubs like the Emmen-Coevorden EuroTerminal, which links directly to both Dutch and German rail systems. Groningen’s Railport in Veendam provides 90,000 m² of sheltered storage and space for 2,000 containers, while Friesland boasts similarly advanced facilities. 

Road freight benefits from the International E-road network:

These routes enable efficient movement of goods across Western and Central Europe. 

Complementing this is Groningen Airport Eelde, with a dedicated Drone Testing Area, and advanced digital infrastructure, including ultra-fast fibre-optic networks and 5G-enabled systems, which support smart logistics, real-time fleet management, and innovative transport solutions across the Northern Netherlands.

Automotive and Sustainable Mobility in the North

While the Northern Netherlands doesn’t host major automotive assembly plants, the industry thrives through a network of dealerships and service providers like Century Autogroep in Groningen and Drenthe, which operates as a full mobility partner offering sustainable solutions for brands like Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT, and Škoda. Alongside this, global players such as Tesla contribute to the region’s shift toward electric mobility, underlining the growing demand for sustainable vehicle solutions. On the supplier side, Centraalstaal in Groningen supports industries, including automotive-related infrastructure, by fabricating high-grade steel components. The region has also become a proving ground for green vehicle technology: hydrogen-electric buses have been operating in public transit since 2017, and Qbuzz continues to expand its zero-emission fleet as of 2025. Groningen Airport Eelde pilots hydrogen-powered ground support equipment as part of the regional Hydrogen Valley initiative, highlighting a shift toward sustainable vehicle ecosystems. At the same time, demand remains steady for aftermarket support and heavy-duty vehicle maintenance, particularly in agriculture and energy, anchoring a resilient automotive services sector across the region.

Building Careers in Logistics and Automotive

In the Northern Netherlands, pathways into the automotive, transport, and logistics sectors are diverse and well-structured, combining hands-on vocational training with higher education and industry collaboration. Regional vocational schools such as Noorderpoort College in Groningen, Firda in Friesland, and Drenthe College in Emmen offer practical programs in logistics, transport management, and automotive technology, often including apprenticeships with local companies. 

At the higher education level, Hanze University of Applied Sciences offers programmes in Mechanical Engineering, giving students hands-on experience aligned with regional transport and logistics needs. The University of Groningen complements this with research opportunities in sustainable transport, supply chain management, and green mobility, while initiatives like TopDutch Solar Racing and the Hydrogen Valley projects allow students and professionals to gain experience with green vehicle technology and innovative transport solutions. Professional networking plays an important role in building a career in automotive, transport, and logistics. Industry platforms such as VLM Regio Noord and Logistiek Noord offer opportunities to exchange knowledge, join company visits, and learn about pilot projects in smart and sustainable logistics. The TopDutch initiative further strengthens these connections by linking talent with employers, innovation projects, and regional development programmes, while Hive.Mobility, as an umbrella organisation for smart mobility, organises events and showcases focused on autonomous and sustainable transport, providing additional opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration across the Northern Dutch mobility sector.