Northern European ports
The strategic benefits of relocating storage operations
In a fast, efficient, sustainable global logistics landscape, careful choice of port location for storage facilities can mean the difference between operational success and operational failure. Boasting sustainability design principles that allow them to benefit from local sustainability incentives and boast of exceptional ESG performance, Northern European ports are emerging as prime hubs for relocating storage operations.
Sustainable property developers, investors, and companies who appreciate well-optimised supply chains that align with their sustainable development goals will find that Northern European ports tick all the right boxes for business relocation. Here’s why you should consider a move to Northern Europe for your new home.
You can‘t fight geography and win
Efficient distribution and logistics efficiency are key factors to consider in any storage businesses relocation plans. Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp and others all spring to mind in any discussion about global shipping. And with good reason; these European logistics hubs are critical gateways into the European market, with easy access to the North sea and to economic centres like Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels. You can’t fight geography and win.
Keep ahead of the logistics curve with Northern European ports
Northern European logistics infrastructure, particularly in the Netherlands, is some of the most advanced in the world. Operating in the region brings access to the latest multimodal design logistics hubs, and smart terminals. The port of Rotterdam, for example, has invested in sensor infrastructure that provides real-time monitoring of assets; they incorporate machine learning into their assessments. Sediment from dredging is also re-used for flood protections. The region also boasts robust and easy access to airports like Schiphol and TMA container terminals, and the peace of mind that goes with best practice, secure storage facilities and world-leading logistics hubs.
For example, the Eemshaven multimodal, sustainable XXL warehouse is built to support heavy industries in its deep-water port, and bulk logistics. Its flexible layout can be tailored to a variety of operational needs. Its strategic connection to the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam also makes it easy to integrate into supply chains, and easy business access to Germany and Scandinavia. Eemshaven offers the space, connection, and functionality, for companies engaged in production, light industrial activities and circular economics to thrive. Almost one third of the energy produced in the Netherlands is produced there, and its location offers strategic access to North Sea offshore operations. Eemshaven combines hydrogen, wind and LNG, with its own LNG terminal. There is an excellent connection to the offshore wind sector in the North Sea. These benefits combined make it the ideal base for storage, logistics, and energy-related operations. This is why Google and QTS have chosen Eemshaven for their data centres.
At Flevokust, an efficient alternative logistics hub to the ARA region, companies can bypass urban congestion in port cities like Rotterdam and Hamburg with established multimodal connections. From there, companies like JYSK, Bestseller and bol.com which are already based in Flevokust can take their pick between rail, road, canal and air links for their cargo’s onward journey, which sets it up well when considering relocation for moving and storage. It boasts excellent power supply and shipping route connections to Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and the Ruhr. With the TMA container terminal only 50 meters away, this proximity increases efficiency and reduces cost.
Relocating storage operations: keep costs low with northern European ports
Economies of scale, optimised logistics, and streamlined operations help keep cargo moving and storage and handling burdens low. Costs are reduced in turn with the adoption of modern infrastructure and smart technologies that reduce labour costs and inefficiencies caused by errors in the workplace. Digital platforms such as PortForward improve hinterland transportation efficiency in the area. Captains can monitor ship berthing and timelines with PortXChange, and then optimize ship speed and fuel use to save on emissions. The platform, powered by machine learning analytics, also allows port operators to reduce berthing times. Proximity to global markets and modernised distribution networks mean companies can pay less for fuel once their goods are on the move again.
Move the world into the future: the sustainable approach
When it comes to relocating storage operations, the business benefits of a sustainable approach shouldn’t be ignored either. Integration of green, renewable energy sources reduces operational energy expenses with the added benefit of ensuring low costs are sustained with a forward-thinking approach.
Adoption of renewable energy is already on the rise in Northern European ports, marking them as global leaders in sustainability. As they should be; Europe’s stringent environmental laws mean sustainability is no longer just a nice to have. Compliance isn’t all risk though, as many companies are becoming aware of the benefits a sustainable approach can bring for business relocation, like reduced costs, advanced supplier engagement, various local incentives to reduce grid congestion, for example, and a streamlined supply chain. Most of the world’s major companies also have set themselves ambitious ESG targets. The ESG opportunities presented by relocation to this region are a big plus. There is significant EU investment into smarter, more efficient and greener infrastructure at these ports, so relocation to Northern European ports is sure to bring sustainability and efficiency benefits to your business.
Northern Europe’s sustainable ports offer a range of sustainable benefits. By 2030, there will be a rollout of shore power systems that enable ships to connect to grid outlets while docked so companies that operate there can keep emissions low. By relocating to Northern European ports, companies demonstrate their alignment with sustainable values and their environmental responsibilities.
Eemshaven is positioned as a landing point for offshore wind energy, making it perfect for wind farm development in the North Sea for companies interested in offshore energy operations. When relocating storage operations to Northern European ports, consider that these ports are already preparing for the transition to green hydrogen, and nowhere is this truer than at Eemshaven. It’s the home of the NortH2 project, making it a major production facility for green hydrogen.
Flekovust’s position in the centre of the Netherlands provides easy access to economic hubs, and cutting fuel costs also means lower emissions and a more sustainable supply chain. Necron’s Warehouses in Flevokust and Eemshaven are BREEAM-excellent certified, meaning they meet their sustainability targets and their ability to do so continually is assured.
Find efficiency, sustainability and cost savings in northern European ports
Ports like Flevokust and Eemshaven offer advantages for business operations that can’t be found elsewhere due to their strategic location. But as with everything in logistics, it’s about more than that; they also combine cutting-edge infrastructure, cost-cutting opportunities, and a proven commitment to sustainability and green logistics.
For property developers, investors, and logistics professionals, leveraging the strategic benefits available to them means both staying competitive and contributing to a more sustainable future, and a more stable regional market. Companies that relocate to Northern European ports aren’t just moving goods, they’re moving into a better future.
With almost a decade of experience in cutting edge real-estate, Necron’s projects are the benchmark for sustainable building projects. Interested in relocating, energy or logistics and storage operations to a Northern European port?