The port of Rotterdam has confirmed that it will increase its sea and inland port fees by 6% starting January 1, 2025. Fees will continue to rise in the coming years, with planned increases of 3.5% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027. The new fee structure will place greater emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in light with the port’s stated intention of being climate-neutral by 2050.
The changes will mean that, as of January 1, 2025, sea vessels which attain a high score on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) will pay reduced port fees. In addition, the load factor will now be considered in the new sea port fee structure. Port fees per ton of cargo will be lower when a vessel’s load capacity is maximally utilized.
Sustainability was also a key driver of a change in the inland port fees. Starting in 2025, a 5% sustainability surcharge will be applied, which means inland port fees for motorized vessels will increase by 5%. The revenue will then be used to support sustainability initiatives in inland shipping. Captains who share their emissions data with the Port Authority of Rotterdam via the Green Award system will receive a 5% discount and the current environmental differentiation scheme will be replaced by an incentive system based on Green Award certificates. Ships with Bronze and Silver certificates will receive a 15% discount, Gold-certified ships will receive a 30% discount, and Platinum-certified ships will have free access to the port. A 5% discount on inland port fees will also apply to push barges that share their location data with the Port in order to stimulate shipowners to share their position data to assist with the port efficiency and occupancy of the available berths.
Shipowners, charterers and traders are welcome to contact NNPC Correspondents for more information.
Moreover, NNPC Correspondents is available 24/7 for assistance in all Dutch sea ports and Dutch and European inland ports.