The Northern Netherlands calls

Favourable geography, high education levels, and an innovative trading spirit make the Netherlands Europe’s logistics hotspot. Traditional core areas like the Randstad and North Brabant are rapidly becoming congested, however. Growth ambitions there now collide with high land prices, logistical bottlenecks, and an overloaded energy grid. No wonder entrepreneurs are broadening their horizons to other regions. Eemshaven, in the north, is undergoing a transformation from periphery to strategic hub. The combination of high-end infrastructure, offshore wind farms, multimodal connections, and virtually unlimited space acts as a magnet for companies that think in possibilities. From logistics to data centres and from manufacturing to pioneers in the energy transition: the north calls. We explain this attraction through six factors.

Factor 1: Accessibility

Anyone looking at the map of Northern Europe can hardly miss the geographical value of Eemshaven. The deep-sea port lies directly on shipping routes between Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and the Baltic states. The proximity to both existing and planned wind farms in the North Sea makes this location ideal for the offshore industry.

Eemshaven is also easily accessibale via inland vessels, freight trains, aircraft, and trucks, enabling efficient deliveries to and from the European hinterland. The region is an international hub without the suffocating congestion of conventional logistics hotspots like Eindhoven, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. Less delay simply means higher productivity.

Someone who knows Eemshaven well is Peter Werkman, who moved there in 2022 with his company Hoofcare. Peter explains: “After 113 years of forging horseshoes in downtown Groningen, the neighbourhood closed in on us. It became increasingly difficult for suppliers and employees to reach us, so we started looking for a new location. I admit that I associated Eemshaven as the middle of nowhere, but I’m so glad we made that move. We now send and receive containers on trucks and inland vessels without any hassle. And I drive from the old centre of Groningen to the company within 25 minutes. I haven’t seen a traffic jam since we moved here three years ago.”

Space is Eemshaven’s major advantage. This sparsely populated location offers un-Dutch expansion possibilities at un-Dutch rates. A business relocation to North Groningen can feel like a big step. ‘Safe’ entrepreneurs therefore prefer to wait until the area has developed further. And precisely that creates an opportunity for pioneers who already see the potential of this region today.

“In the three years we’ve been here, I’ve never seen a traffic jam.”

Factor 2: Green advantage

For over a decade, Northern Netherlands has been intensively developing itself as Europe’s frontrunner in green energy. The construction of offshore wind farms continues unabated, the energy infrastructure is rapidly becoming mature, and the development of hydrogen projects is in full swing. Being so close to the source of sustainable electricity, companies can significantly reduce their CO2 footprint or even make it negative. When looking at increasingly strict European environmental regulations, that’s not a bad strategy at all.

The region also invests heavily in circular economy initiatives. An ecosystem of partners is emerging that contributes to sustainable value chains, such as the reuse of biological waste streams, recycling of turbine components, and the production of green hydrogen. Robust power grids and energy storage boost the electrification of industry and transport here to a level that is unreachable in many places in Europe.

Peter Werkman is especially pleased that their industrial power connection was arranged so quickly. “We had wanted to switch from gas to induction for a while, but our ovens need a serious amount of electricity. We expected a waiting time, but our power request in Eemshaven was approved, and executed, almost immediately.”

Together with entrepreneurs who think in long-term solutions, Eemshaven positions itself as the energy port of the future. This focus on sustainable energy is not only very practical but also adds to the green image of companies. In a cutthroat competition, that makes a crucial difference in attracting customers and employees.

” We expected a waiting time, but our power request in Eemshaven was approved, and executed, almost immediately.”

Factor 3: Human Capital

Due to a lack of career prospects, the Northern Netherlands used to suffer from ‘brain drain’: talent flowing away to other parts of the country. Now that the Eemshaven region is emerging for companies in energy, technology, and logistics, entrepreneurs notice a positive effect on professionals from across the country.

Sufficient space to grow, great accessibility, and partnerships with universities and colleges make this environment fertile ground for the future. The combination of high-quality living and low housing costs is an attractive prospect for talent to settle here for the long term.

Peter Werkman confirms that cooperation with technical education helps in finding suitable people. “We run several programs with vocational colleges and applied sciences schools. Right now, for example, we’re training two interns in our company. Finding enough good people remains a challenge here too, but at least the staff shortage is not nearly as bad as in the Randstad.”

Factor 4: Digital Infrastructure

Besides physical connectivity, Eemshaven also benefits from a highly developed digital network. Direct access to trans-Atlantic fibre optic connections and European internet exchanges offers companies exceptionally reliable access to data. Add to that the availability of renewable energy and access to unlimited cooling water, and the attraction of this region to international tech companies is explained.

With the rise of cloud storage and AI models, data centre capacity forms an increasingly important link within the Dutch digital economy. The government therefore invests heavily in Eemshaven as an IT hub with high-quality, reliable, and sustainable broadband networks. The arrival of data centres from major users like Google and QTS confirms the value of this region as a digital hub in Northern Europe.

Around this technological core, opportunities arise for suppliers, startups, and research institutions. Thanks to world-class digital infrastructure, a vibrant ecosystem of innovative companies is forming. This makes Eemshaven a smart choice for businesses with highly automated logistics processes, such as distribution centres.

Factor 5: Close-knit Network

Groningen has a strong culture of cooperation, which is reflected in the characteristic of Eemshaven is. As a business, you don’t operate in isolation here, but as part of a close-knit network. Entrepreneurs exchange knowledge, resources, and services for an economic environment that is stable and resilient.

Within offshore wind energy, a local network of specialized companies has emerged that strengthen each other. From turbine manufacturers to cable specialists and from installation companies to maintenance experts: together they form a chain of complete services that attracts international projects.

A healthy business climate requires not only a close-knit network, but also new energy from outside. Fortunately, startups and scale-ups keep the market sharp with their fresh ideas. Furthermore, close cooperation with technical schools facilitates scientific research into future challenges. Eemshaven is anything but a closed fortress. Through continuous innovation, competition, and innovative insights, it continues to strengthen its leading position in the energy transition.

Factor 6: Clear Path for Entrepreneurs

Groningen has emerged as one of the most attractive provinces in the country for innovative entrepreneurs. There is the so-called ‘fast-track program’ that enables faster permit procedures for new initiatives. The regional stimulus fund also provides subsidies for companies that contribute to sustainability or digitalization.

In the field of innovation, they’re not standing still in the north either: regional governments, knowledge institutions, and companies work closely together with the goal of strengthening the local economy. Programs that support with relocation help in attracting and retaining specialized talent. Thanks to overlapping interests, a favourable business establishment climate is being created here at a rapid pace. Where entrepreneurs are used to regularly hitting a bureaucratic wall in large parts of the Netherlands, the welcoming spirit of Groningen will feel like a comfortable tailwind.

Peter Werkman says: “The municipality and province were very supportive when we moved our company here. The permit process went extremely smoothly and at our opening, about ten mayors and aldermen were present. Establishing ourselves as entrepreneurs in Seaport Eemshaven really feels like a warm welcome.”

“Establishing ourselves as entrepreneurs in Seaport Eemshaven really feels like a warm welcome.”

Conclusion

The development of Eemshaven into a strategic hub is no coincidence. Unparalleled accessibility, green energy, talent, digital infrastructure, a close-knit network, and entrepreneur-friendly policy form the ingredients for an economy with enormous potential.

While traditional economic centres struggle with space shortages, soaring prices, and overloaded networks, Eemshaven offers literally and figuratively space to grow. This region is rapidly transforming into the beating heart of the Dutch economy. Entrepreneurs who jump on this train maximise the benefits. They know: the north calls.