Port of Rotterdam Authority as partner in sustainability within the coal supply chain

Rotterdam is one of the main seaports of Europe and accommodates a vast industrial complex with more than 1500 companies in an area of 12.500 ha. With a throughput of 435 million tons of cargo a year Rotterdam is by far the largest seaport of Europe. The port is the gateway to a European market of more than 350 million consumers and has large flows of goods consisting of mostly iron ore, coal, oil and containers. Transport and industrial processing create economic value, though occasionally it may lead to public and political debates. The businesses in the port and the Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoR) have been confronted with questions about the origin of coal and the level of sustainability in the mining and use of this form of fossil energy.

Although PoR is no purchasing party or customer, NGO’s and politicians have approached us on the import and use of coal. In the Port Vision 2030 the PoR has the ambition to become the most innovative and sustainable seaport of the world. In accordance with this ambition PoR has joined the Bettercoal initiative as associated member in 2013. Through this membership PoR pursues more engagement with the different stakeholders to enhance the understanding of the supply chain. Furthermore PoR expects concrete improvement opportunities, which will lead to a growing sustainability in favour for people, planet and profit.

The Branche Organisatie Zeehavens (BOZ) represents the Dutch seaports: the Port of Amsterdam, Groningen Seaports, Port of Moerdijk, Zeeland Seaports and the Port of Rotterdam. The BOZ has become an associated member of BetterCoal, this expresses the common goal of the Dutch Seaports for a more sustainable supply chain and our high ambition on corporate social responsibility.

The BOZ expects from Bettercoal transparency reports based on assessments, monitoring and research. Transparency will be an important added value of  our membership. This will improve the sustainability of the coal supply chain to our stakeholders. Bettercoal represents an essential and significant pillar that fits our specific responsibility and contribution to the social and political debate around coal in the international supply chain.