Piyush Goyal Tours Port of Rotterdam, Sees ‘Immense Potential’ for India-Netherlands Cooperation

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal toured the Port of Rotterdam on a port vessel with its Chief Executive Officer, Boudewijn Siemons, as part of efforts to deepen maritime and trade cooperation between India and the Netherlands.

“It was a pleasure to visit the Port of Rotterdam, one of Europe’s leading maritime gateways, and experience its operations firsthand,” Goyal wrote on X.

WHAT INDIA WANTS FROM EUROPE’S BIGGEST PORT

Goyal stressed the strategic weight of Europe’s largest seaport, saying India can draw on Rotterdam’s operating expertise, cargo-handling technology and supply chain management as it modernises its own ports under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Indian port authorities and the Port of Rotterdam are exploring digital integration to speed up cargo clearance and cut vessel turnaround time. Rotterdam is a major entry point for Indian goods into Europe, which makes efficient logistics important ahead of the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

The talks also covered how Rotterdam’s experience in green hydrogen hubs, carbon management and modern terminal operations could support India’s Sagarmala initiative.

“We exchanged views on advancing port-led growth, enhancing logistics efficiency, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment,” Goyal said. “There is immense potential to collaborate with the Port of Rotterdam, draw on its expertise, and strengthen India-Netherlands cooperation.”

‘PORT CAPACITY TO DOUBLE TWICE’

In an interview with ANI in Rotterdam, Goyal said India aims to quadruple its port capacity by 2047, and he pointed to cooperation with Rotterdam in maritime infrastructure, green energy, carbon capture and sustainable trade. India’s fast-growing economy and expanding trade would need substantial investment in modern ports and maritime connectivity, he said.

“Despite doubling our port capacity over the past decade, India still needs more capacity,” he said. “By 2047, we expect port capacity to double twice over the next two decades to support GDP growth and international trade.”

He added that sustainable maritime development matters too. “We focus on carbon capture and green energy that offer significant environmental benefits and open new opportunities for green energy trade,” he said. The target, he noted, is also meant to cut domestic logistics costs.

FOUR DAYS IN THE NETHERLANDS

The Rotterdam tour is part of Goyal’s four-day official visit to the Netherlands from October 24 to 27, aimed at strengthening economic ties, attracting foreign investment and expanding industrial collaboration.

With inputs from ANI