As tensions with Russia rise and NATO officials warn of potential conflict by 2030, Europe’s largest seaport — Rotterdam — is quietly preparing for war. The Dutch port, which handles over 436 million tonnes of cargo annually, is reserving space for military vessels, coordinating with the Port of Antwerp, and planning how to reroute civilian cargo in the event of an emergency.
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, told the Financial Times that the port is working with neighbouring Antwerp to coordinate military logistics. “Not every terminal is fit for handling military cargo,” he said. “If large volumes of military goods would have to be shipped, we’d look to Antwerp or other ports to take over some capacity and the other way around.”
NATO ramp-up fuels port preparedness
The move comes as the Netherlands and other NATO members dramatically increase defence spending. The Dutch government has pledged to push military expenditures to 5% of GDP, while NATO has requested ports like Rotterdam accommodate ships carrying military hardware multiple times a year.
The port's container terminal is the only area equipped to safely handle ammunition transfers between ships. Amphibious exercises are also expected to take place regularly at the port, with vessels docked for weeks at a time.
While Rotterdam previously saw a surge in arms traffic during the 2003 Iraq War, the port has never had a quay specifically dedicated to military cargo — not even during the Cold War. That’s changing now, amid fears that Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine could eventually spill over into NATO territory.
Antwerp and Rotterdam: from rivals to partners
The Rotterdam-Antwerp partnership marks a shift in mindset among European ports long seen as rivals. Antwerp, the EU’s second-largest port, already receives supplies for U.S. troops stationed in Europe and handles 240 million tonnes of freight annually.
“Of course, we compete where we have to,” Siemons said. “But we work together where we can.”
That collaboration now includes resilience planning, which has grown more urgent after disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s energy blackmail during the war in Ukraine. The EU is expected to unveil a new stockpiling strategy on Tuesday, covering critical materials like copper, lithium, graphite, medical supplies, energy infrastructure, and potentially food and water.
Building strategic reserves for a volatile future
Siemons believes ports should play a central role in Europe's strategic resilience, given their distribution networks and logistical capabilities. “We should do the same [with key materials] as we do with oil,” he said, pointing to the 90-day strategic petroleum reserve mandated by the EU after the 1973 oil shock.
He argued that the EU must now consider strategic reserves for gas, rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals, and other essential goods. Some of the Netherlands’ strategic oil stockpile is already stored in Rotterdam, which Siemons said could be a model for broader reserve planning.
Trade disruptions remain a risk
Although the port lost about 8% of trade — primarily oil — after EU sanctions on Russia, its core operations remain strong. However, any military escalation could lead to further disruptions. One open question is whether the port will be able to maintain its commercial throughput if it begins hosting military vessels more frequently.
With NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warning that Russia could target alliance members by the end of the decade, European logistics hubs are taking no chances.
“The world is becoming more and more volatile,” Siemons said. “And how resilient are you as a society? That’s becoming increasingly important.”
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
