Congestion in the port: the million-euro damage is a fact
Published on November 26, 2025Recent research by Nieuwsblad Transport (NT) confirms the urgency: congestion in the Port of Rotterdam has significantly worsened in 2025, causing millions of euros in damages for transport companies. An alarming 94% of respondents experience hindrance, with the financial impact disproportionately large for inland navigation and road hauliers.
The causes: a structural mismatch
The problem is twofold: unexpected disruptions (such as strikes) on the one hand, and structural factors on the other. Respondents point to:
- Larger vessels (higher peak volumes)
- Unreliable deep-sea sailing schedules
- Capacity shortages and rigid time slots at terminals
The conclusion is clear: there is a 'structural mismatch' between supply and demand in the chain, causing the system to immediately seize up with every disruption.
BDI as the answer to the systemic problem
The development of BDI is directly driven by the need to address this structural congestion. The NT survey emphasises that congestion is a systemic issue that can only be reduced with a package of measures.
Collectively, BDI offers the necessary flexibility, reliability, and control to make the chain more robust:
- Better Planning: Through the real-time and reliable data exchange via BDI, parties can anticipate uncertainties in their planning and avoid peak loads.
- More Efficient Turnaround Times: Reducing waiting times and optimising handling, especially for the hardest-hit inland navigation and road transport sectors.
- Collaboration: Creating the clear rules of the game and shared responsibility that the sector is calling for.
We call on the sector to view the outcomes of this research as a wake-up call and to actively participate in the digitalisation initiatives to collectively keep the logistics chain in the Port of Rotterdam plannable, resilient, and competitive.