Economic Evaluation of Gateway Hinterland Access Concepts for the Port of Rotterdam

The different hinterland access concepts for the port of Rotterdam are investigated in this paper. The results presented in the paper show that inland waterway transport and a pipeline system bring the greatest economic advantages. The amount to be invested for inland waterway transport is relatively limited. The pipeline concept appears to be very expensive, but it also brings the greatest advantages for reducing congestion and improving sustainability. Furthermore, it enables labor cost savings, and it might relieve spatial pressures in the congested port area. This suggests that transport policy should seriously consider underground container transport systems for congested port areas.