Flevoland greenlights maritime service port at Urk

Exactly 40 years after its creation from land reclaimed from the sea, the Dutch province of Flevoland has approved investment funding for what will be the Netherlands’ newest maritime port. The Maritime Service Port Northern Flevoland will be developed at Urk, on the edge of the IJsselmeer lake, providing space for shipbuilding, vessel maintenance, repairs, and other maritime services.

The port’s exact cargo-handling role remains unclear, but eight unnamed companies have been selected to establish and operate facilities at the site, including buildings and ship lifts.

Flevoland’s provincial council approved additional investment, to be financed through borrowing, clearing a major hurdle for the long-planned development. The province has not disclosed the amount ahead of the construction tender, although reports put the investment at tens of millions of euros.

The province said the development would strengthen the regional economy and create opportunities for collaboration with high-tech manufacturing, energy, mobility, innovation and education. The energy-sector link could open opportunities for component logistics, including moving large components for wind projects, like those well established in the surrounding area and nationwide.

This story was originally published by Project Cargo Journal. Read the full story at Project Cargo Journal →