The Port of Rotterdam Authority recently responded to the demand letter from Advocates for the Future (AftF), reaffirming its commitment to achieving a climate-neutral port by 2050 while rejecting the demand to phase out fossil-fuel activities.
On 12 May, the legal NGO summoned the Port Authority to take responsibility for its role in the climate crisis and to present a concrete plan for the controlled but rapid phase-out of fossil fuel activities in the Port of Rotterdam.
The Port Authority said it reinforces the need for a transition to a climate neutral port in 2050 and explains how it is actively taking efforts to achieve this goal in collaboration with companies and governments.
“The transition is a priority for the Port Authority. However, it cannot fulfil the AftF’s demand to force companies to limit fossil fuel activities in Rotterdam because this is not aligned with current European and Dutch climate policy and is not part of the Port Authority’s role,” the Port Authority said on its website.
“Furthermore, it is an ineffective way to reduce worldwide CO2 emissions. The Port Authority is concerned that ceasing fossil fuel activities in Rotterdam could have major consequences, including for the security of supply of energy and the position of European industry.”
The Port Authority also said it does not expect that limiting fossil fuel activities in Rotterdam would contribute to a reduction in global emissions.
“At present, there is still an insufficient supply of sustainable energy and raw materials to keep society running. Companies therefore continue to fulfil the demand for fossil energy and fossil fuels, while gradual investments are made in the production of sustainable energy and fuels, such as recycled plastics, hydrogen and biofuels,” it added.
“We are seeing the first examples of this in the port, including the largest cluster for biofuels in Europe and two large hydrogen plants under construction.”
The Port Authority said it will continue to implement its strategy and approach to creating a climate neutral port, as laid down in the Climate Transition Plan.
“At the moment, the Port Authority is refining its scenarios for the transition up to 2050. We are mapping out various paths to a climate neutral, competitive and resilient port and include this in our approach,” it added.
“The Port Authority is certainly open to a continued dialogue with Advocates for the Future and other parties involved in the port.”
Photo credit: Daniel Agudelo on Unsplash
Published: 30 June, 2026
