Port of Rotterdam signs MOU, appoints representative, helps set up maritime university in India

October 17, 2019: Port of Rotterdam Authority has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with the Maharashtra Maritime Board, appointed Broekman Logistics as the representative and will team up for the establishment of a maritime university in Gujarat. The port will be signing another MOU with the government of Kerala for the maritime development in the state during the trade mission and state visit to India. It is in line with its efforts to intensify joint activities in India and to involve more in consultancy assignments, selling of digital products, attracting investments and promoting maritime trade flows between India and Europe via Rotterdam.

'The signing ceremony'

Broekman Logistics India, operating in India since 2006, has started its activities as a representative in October 2019. With sixteen offices in India, it has a strong presence in all major ports and trading cities, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Kolkata.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority is supporting the Erasmus University, Rotterdam and the Dutch Shipping & Transport College for providing consultancy services to set up a maritime university in Gujarat. There is already an existing agreement between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Gujarat Maritime Board.

Rene van der Plas, the head of Port of Rotterdam International said, “As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India is investing heavily in the development of seaports, industrial areas and hinterland connections. That makes India an interesting partner in the field of trade, maritime industry and education but also in the field of digital developments and innovations.”

Emile Hoogsteden, the director of Breakbulk and Logistics Containers says, “Rotterdam already has a strong position in trade with India but we think there is still plenty of potentials to enhance our profile in the market and increase our market share, particularly through growth in retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), automotive accessories, and chemicals and pharmaceuticals.”