‘To become the world’s most efficient and sustainable port by 2050, we are currently working on dozens of sustainability projects’

Since 1 January 2025, Berte Simons has been Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, and part of the general management board. Berte Simons worked at Energie Beheer Nederland as director of the CO2 Storage and Transport Systems business unit. She has extensive national and international experience in leading complex, large-scale infrastructure projects in ports and industrial areas.

The maritime sector and the Port of Rotterdam have been a constant presence in Berte's career. After graduating as a Maritime Officer from the nautical college in Vlissingen, she started her career as a policy officer at Zeeland Seaports (now North Sea Port after its merger with the port of Ghent). In 2006, she moved to consultancy and engineering firm Royal Haskoning DHV, where she managed several projects in the mining, industrial, aviation and maritime sectors. Many of those projects were for clients in the Port of Rotterdam. She was involved in the Porthos project, among others, which focused on the transport and storage of CO2 under the North Sea. Her new role at the Port of Rotterdam Authority combines all the facets of her career.

The port of Rotterdam is delighted that you are putting your broad expertise as a marine engineer to work for the Port Authority. What exactly are your duties as COO?

‘As COO and director of Infrastructure & Maritime Affairs of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, I’m responsible for departments which are dealing with the expansion and maintenance of the port-industrial complex, as well as the Harbour Master division,' says Berte Simons. The Port of Rotterdam Authority manages an area of more than 12,500 hectares and owns approximately 89 kilometres of quay walls. The infrastructure of the Port of Rotterdam is important to the Netherlands and Northwest Europe because of its role in economic growth, employment and international trade and, increasingly, in supporting resilience. Our high-quality infrastructure, which includes roads, railways and pipelines, is therefore essential for robust logistics chains and multimodal accessibility. I consider it a real privilege to be able to contribute to the management and development of such vital infrastructure.’

You’re known for having a connecting and proactive style. Can you give an example of how you will deploy this style? We suspect it will be very important for the Port of Rotterdam now and in the future.

‘I enjoy meeting people who work in the port. Their stories, motivation and knowledge always give me new insights. The strength of the Port of Rotterdam lies in cooperation. We all share a common goal: to maintain a strong, competitive position for the port. At the Port Authority, we work closely with companies across the port complex to develop the infrastructure needed for logistics and the energy transition. The Port Authority is committed to developing the port in balance with its surroundings. That often means facing dilemmas and navigating conflicting interests. In those situations, it’s essential to listen carefully to all stakeholders, while also being willing to address difficult topics openly. Based on those diverse perspectives, I aim to make decisions that serve both the interests of the port and those of local communities.’

Cruise makes the connection between the city, the port and the sea visible in the city centre. One innovative project concerns shore power at Holland America Quay. Additional shore power facilities are being installed throughout the port. This is an important step that keeps Rotterdam at the forefront. Given the role of the port as a gateway for goods and raw materials essential to daily life across Europe, how do you view the future with all these innovative projects?

‘To become the world’s most efficient and sustainable port by 2050, we’re currently working on dozens of sustainability projects across the entire supply chain,’ says Berte Simons. ‘These include the rollout of shore power at container terminals, the use of alternative fuels, electrification of inland shipping and road transport, and more. In our opinion, the future of the Port of Rotterdam lies in delivering economic and social value and making the logistics chain more resilient. Together with market players, the Port Authority is working to achieve these objectives, prioritising sustainable growth and a port that operates in balance with its environment.’