ABSTRACT
The port-growth model provides port management and government with a predictive tool for strategic planning, and enables them to review local port operations in a European context. The project was a major econometric, land-use and transportation covering the whole of the Rijnmond area in the South Province of Holland. The port freight model was constructed in order to predict future freight movements. Seven commodity groups were to be distinguished: grain, oil, coal, ore, fertilizers, other bulk goods, and general cargo; and five seaports: Rotterdam, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, and Hoek van Holland, known collectively as the Rijnmond ports. Information was also required from various national and international agencies, government departments and private companies. These sources of data were widely spread, and the co-ordination and interpretation of the information forthcoming was in itself an important facet of the project.
