Logistics Lag in Dutch Elections
Logistics and infrastructure remain largely absent from the political discourse leading up to the Dutch elections set for October 29. Evofenedex, an organization advocating for businesses involved in trade and logistics, seeks to persuade policymakers of the critical importance of investments in this sector, with an emphasis on waterborne transportation.
“Make inland shipping and rail more attractive,” is the rallying cry from Evofenedex. “The Netherlands faces a significant logistics challenge, and all modalities, including inland shipping, are necessary for growth and sustainability,” states Ricky Voorn, a policy advisor for the organization based in Zoetermeer. With over 11,000 members, about 1,500 rely on inland shipping for their operations, ranging from a few containers weekly to millions of tons annually.
Concerning Trends
Voorn expresses alarm at the absence of logistics and infrastructure discussions in the party platforms of candidates vying for multiple parliamentary seats. “This is concerning. We have much work to do in the weeks leading up to the election,” he asserts. As Netherlands seeks continued economic growth, “there will be more containers, more boxes, and more pallets that need transportation. If all of these go by road, we would certainly find that undesirable. Coupled with our sustainability challenges, inland shipping holds considerable potential for everyone,” Voorn contends.
However, despite the sector’s recognition as a potential champion of sustainability, concrete policy and action are lacking. Voorn does not mince words: “There is a shortage of vision and decisiveness regarding inland shipping. The political landscape praises the sector’s potential, but without actionable plans, it cannot realize its full capacity.”
Infrastructural Uncertainty
Collaborating with national and provincial navigational authorities and inland shipping organizations such as KBN and ASV, Evofenedex aims to enhance infrastructure and spur a modal shift. The need for reliability and predictability is paramount for shippers, as deteriorating infrastructure due to deferred maintenance, inadequate communication about planned disruptions, and fears of extreme weather conditions complicate the landscape.
Navigating these challenges requires significant alterations to existing supply chains, initial investments, and longer transport times, which could deter companies from switching to water transport. Yet, Voorn insists these hurdles are surmountable. Evofenedex offers support to its members in exploring options and removing obstacles.
Incentives Needed
Incentives like subsidies may be crucial to facilitate these transitions. Evofenedex highlights the provincial schemes that subsidize logistical consultations and the effective national program aimed at transitioning 2,800 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) from road to water, despite it set to expire on January 1, 2026. Under this framework, shippers receive €20 per container transported in accordance with the modal shift policy.
Voorn urges inland shipping businesses to invest in sustainability, particularly cleaner engines and fuels. “As we pursue the goal of zero emissions by 2050, it is difficult to select definitive technologies; hence, modular solutions that allow for future adjustments are prudent. After all, engines have extended lifespans,” he explains.
Transitioning to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a diesel derived from plant oils, promises significant emissions reductions and could see broader adoption among operators. Voorn calls on shippers and clients to foster collaborative dialogues, suggesting long-term contracts with additional fees per ton to incentivize investment.
The Demand for Sustainability
Are companies merely eager to minimize expenses? Voorn asserts they are equally committed to sustainability. In the construction and infrastructure sector, for instance, clients prioritize sustainability criteria in their contract parameters. Companies increasingly face stringent reporting requirements regarding sustainability practices, impacting even smaller entities nested within larger supply chains. Shippers can add significant value by providing data on their emissions, which enhances credibility in the marketplace.
“It’s not about simply adding a nominal fee. Instead, genuine collaboration is essential. We advise shippers to do more than transport goods from A to B; engage in a logistical partnership. Businesses are genuinely open to this,” Voorn concludes.
With evolving economic and political landscapes, questions linger about whether the Dutch shipping industry can rise to the challenge of infrastructure and environmental responsibility ahead of the election. Will policymakers heed the call for actionable logistics plans, or will the nation continue to grapple with a fragmented approach to its logistical needs? As the election date approaches, the effectiveness of Evofenedex’s lobbying efforts—and the responses of political entities to their concerns—will be pivotal in shaping the future of Dutch logistics.
