Rotterdam Mainport Development Project (PMR)

The port of Rotterdam is one of the world’s major ports. It makes an important contribution to the Dutch economy. The existing port and industrial area offers virtually no room for expansion for new companies and existing clients. If the port is to continue to develop in a sound way, this additional room must be found.  The Dutch government therefore wants to strengthen the Rotterdam mainport by constructing a new port area. However, it also wishes to increase the liveability of the Rhine Estuary area. In brief: development with respect for nature and the environment and the quality of the living environment of the Rhine Estuary. To realise this double objective, the Rotterdam Mainport Development Project (PMR) was set up. The project comprises three sub-projects that are inextricably linked: 

• Construction of the Maasvlakte 2 (also known as the Second Maasvlakte) and the related nature compensation/
• Development of 750 hectares of nature and recreational space.
• Improving the existing Rotterdam area.
  

At the end of 2006, the Upper and Lower Houses voted to adopt the Spatial Planning Key Decision (PKB), that set down the spatial planning conditions for the realisation of the project. Other parties subsequently embarked upon changing zoning plans and applying for permits in order to start work in the autumn of 2008. The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment is continuing to direct the entire project and to oversee the cohesion of the implementation.