Synergie between mainports ?

The main ports of Rotterdam (PMR) and Schiphol are facilities that, according to many, put the Netherlands in a unique position. The supposition is that the relatively small distance between the main ports, along with their size and quality, makes an exceptional contribution to the economy. This is referred to as the synergy between the main ports. The concept of ‘synergy’ is used in various ways, and as a result it means different things to different people. This report discusses what is meant by ‘synergy between the main ports’ – and how and for whom this synergy manifests itself – by describing the players that have an economic relationship with both main ports and by describing the associated economic advantages. With this report the KiM Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis intends to contribute to a clear debate about the significance of the main ports for the Netherlands.