The Northern Dutch automotive, transport & logistics sector

Over the last century or so, the Netherlands has built upon its infrastructure so that now its facilities match the convenience of its position between the largest economies in Europe. Aside from this, the huge number of waterways that cross the country have created a unique environment that benefits the logistics sector heavily.
Within Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe there are three modern seaports: Eemshaven, Delfzijl, and Harlingen- as well as the inland port of Meppel that has a direct connection to the Port of Rotterdam, the third-largest seaport in the world (and the largest in Europe). Eemshaven is a particularly interesting area for logistics as it sits opposite the German port of Emden – and so benefits from both Dutch and German infrastructure. As an example of just how well-placed the Northern Netherlands is, more than 170 million consumers (both inside and outside of the EU) can be reached within 24 hours of leaving the region.

Eemshaven in Groningen is one of the main launching points for various off-shore wind projects, and thanks to its commitment to end gas production in the province will have a wide network of gas-moving facilities that can be used for green energy production.

Aside from the sea, the Northern Netherlands is rich in rail connections, particularly in the province of Drenthe and around the city of Emmen. The Emmen-Coevorden EuroTerminal is a border-crossing business park with connections onto both the Dutch and German rail networks. Indeed, the terminal is so well connected that it is considering starting a regular rail freight service to China. Groningen’s Railport in Veendaam includes space for around 90,000 square metres of sheltered storage, and depot capacity for 2,000 containers, whilst Friesland has similarly well equipped rail freight facilities.

When it comes to road freight, the Netherlands is enviably connected to the International E-road network, which stretches across Europe and connects its compass points. In particular, the E22 runs directly across the Northern Netherlands: and on through Germany, Sweden, Latvia; Russia, and the United Kingdom (ending at the port of Holyhead). Aside from the E22, the E232 connects to the E30 (Cork in Ireland to Omsk in Russia), and the E233 connects to the inland port of Meppel and on into Germany (ending at Bremen).

The region even has its own international airport: Groningen Airport Eelde, which has its own Drone Testing Area. Aside from this, the general infrastructure for information transfer- from ultra high speed fiber-optic internet to one of the world’s first 5G testing platforms, is excellent. As with many other industries in the Northern Netherlands, there is a tripartite effort to foster innovation and knowledge sharing. Launched in 2018 TopDutch Logistics aims to be a community made up of and for logistical operators within the Northern Netherlands. It has strong links to regional government, and can assist with start-up capital, networking, and knowledge transfer.