The Port of Rotterdam remains a cornerstone of Europe’s economy, serving as a critical hub for container traffic and petrochemicals. With a dense network of rail, road, and pipeline connections, the port plays a key role in ensuring efficient chemical freight movement. However, maintaining a resilient supply chain is more crucial than ever amid geopolitical shifts, economic volatility, and climate challenges. The industry is doubling down on digitalization, sustainability, and collaboration to ensure smooth operations.
Recent disruptions have prompted leading logistics firms such as Broekman Logistics, Neele-Vat, and Royal Den Hartogh Logistics to rethink supply chain strategies. Their focus remains on safety, efficiency, and adaptability, ensuring clients can count on reliable logistics solutions.
Market Shifts Challenge Chemical Supply Chains
The chemical sector is undergoing fundamental shifts. Ron Kuijpers, VP of Business Development at Broekman Logistics, highlights rising inventory levels and raw material costs as ongoing concerns. Meanwhile, Joost Mooijweer, head of business development at Neele-Vat, notes a major shift in trade patterns. A decade ago, European producers sourced from China, but now Chinese companies are increasing exports to Europe.
Additionally, Jacco van Holten, Director of Commerce at Royal Den Hartogh Logistics, points out that companies are restructuring intra-European supply chains due to declining demand and downsizing production capacities. Rotterdam’s role as an import hub continues to grow, with logistics flows extending to Poland and Hungary.
Beyond Buzzwords: The Realities of Resilience
Resilience in chemical logistics goes beyond a mere industry buzzword. Strict safety regulations and the high costs of production failures demand predictable and stable supply chains. While the sector has made strides since the pandemic, volatility remains a persistent challenge. Mooijweer emphasizes the importance of having contingency plans in place, ensuring trained personnel and a well-connected logistics network to manage disruptions effectively.
For Van Holten, resilience is deeply embedded in their business model. Adapting to shifting regulations, market conditions, and customer needs is not optional—it’s essential for long-term success.
Storage Capacity and Regulatory Pressures
One of the biggest hurdles in chemical logistics is storage capacity constraints. Kuijpers explains that tightening regulations, while necessary for safety, have led to smaller players exiting the market. This has created a shortage of specialized storage facilities for hazardous chemicals, even as demand continues to rise.
To address this, Broekman operates state-of-the-art warehouses, such as the European Distribution Centre (EDC) on Maasvlakte, which ensures compliance with the highest safety and efficiency standards. Rotterdam’s extensive deep-sea and short-sea networks further reinforce its status as a leader in chemical logistics, especially for containerized chemicals from Asia.
Skilled Workforce and Innovations
As logistics become more complex, the demand for skilled professionals is rising. Mooijweer stresses that industry-specific knowledge is essential for maintaining quality standards. To bridge the skills gap, companies are investing in training programs and digital tools.
Broekman Logistics leverages 3D animation technology to identify process inefficiencies, while Royal Den Hartogh Logistics has introduced on-site logistics services to reduce truck waiting times and enhance safety. These innovations optimize operational efficiency and ensure seamless supply chain management.
The Growing Role of Data and Digitalization
Data is playing an increasingly pivotal role in logistics. Van Holten humorously notes, “Sometimes, I feel like I work in a data center rather than a transport company.” Digital tracking now enables pinpoint accuracy in monitoring cargo, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.
Companies like Neele-Vat are also integrating data-driven insights into operations, such as gas measurement analytics, which allow clients to optimize packaging. Meanwhile, Broekman Logistics employs Business Intelligence (BI) tools to enhance safety stock management and re-export strategies.
Sustainability: Progress, but at What Cost?
Sustainability remains a top priority for logistics firms, though the pace of adoption varies. Van Holten acknowledges that while leading companies are pushing for greener solutions, economic conditions slow down widespread adoption.
To meet sustainability goals, Den Hartogh Logistics is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with a 25% emissions reduction target this year. The company is transitioning to HVO biodiesel and electric trucks, while expanding intermodal transport solutions to minimize environmental impact.
Warehousing is also going green. Neele-Vat has equipped its Botlek and Maasvlakte facilities with thousands of solar panels and converted its internal fleet to electric. Meanwhile, Broekman Logistics is investing in shore power solutions and promoting rail and barge transport as sustainable alternatives.
Despite these efforts, Mooijweer admits that some clients remain hesitant to pay extra for sustainability initiatives. Van Holten believes European legislation could drive broader adoption by enforcing stricter environmental regulations or introducing financial incentives for green logistics.
Collaboration Strengthens Supply Chain Resilience
The logistics sector in Rotterdam stands out for its unique collaborative approach. Unlike in other regions where competition dominates, companies actively support each other. Mooijweer shares that Broekman Logistics and Neele-Vat frequently exchange services, such as storage, transport, and gas measurements, reinforcing supply chain reliability.
This collaborative mindset is crucial, especially as supply chains become longer and more complex. Van Holten underscores the importance of forward stocking strategies, where goods are stored in advance at strategic locations. This helps mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions, potential trade wars, and rail maintenance disruptions across Europe.
As global logistics continue to evolve, Rotterdam’s chemical sector remains at the forefront, balancing efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability to meet the demands of a rapidly shifting market.
