ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates some measures that have been taken in the past to increase the value added of the Rotterdam port region and to maintain its position in worldwide supply chains. It introduces the primary function of a port and the most important companies active in ports, such as deep-sea terminal operators, shipping lines, port-related transport companies, transport intermediaries and the port authority. The chapter discusses the three port functions that are transport node, location for petrochemical industry and location for logistics activities. It deals with measuring the economic performance of ports. The chapter focuses on how the port of Rotterdam could increase its value added. The primary function of a port is being in node in a transport chain to exchange cargo including bulk cargo, general cargo, containers, roll-on/roll-off, and project cargo. Ports can connect different modes of transport and facilitate storage of the goods. Another reason why ports exist is because the demand of transport is spatially diverse.
