Collaboration is in the DNA of Port of Zwolle

"If I were to summarize our message in four words, I’d say: future-proof networking through collaboration."

These are the words of Rob Oostermeijer, Secretary of the Board at Port of Zwolle. His vision extends beyond the boundaries of Port of Zwolle. “This applies not just to our port but to port businesses across multiple countries. We need to strive for networks that are future-proof—both within and beyond the region.”
Oostermeijer emphasizes that strengthening these networks is essential to addressing challenges. “Everyone faces the same issues: space, energy consumption, and sustainability. We are in the midst of transitions, such as the energy transition, which require ports to have space to adapt to changes that are sometimes unpredictable.”

The Lighthouse on Terschelling

A historical example of collaboration serves as inspiration for Oostermeijer. “Everyone knows the lighthouse on Terschelling. Its construction was successful thanks to cooperation among various parties, including the residents of Kampen. They contributed manpower, resources, and funding.” Their shared goal was clear: to guide ships safely to Kampen, enabling the city to thrive. “This is how you invest in the future of a region together.”
That same approach is still necessary today. Oostermeijer mentions the Kornwerderzand lock: “We are working closely with entrepreneurs and government agencies. Together, we are investing in this project to promote economic activity in the northern Netherlands.”

Shore Power and Sustainability

The installation of shore power in Kampen, which reduces emissions from (cruise) ships, was made possible through collaboration and European support. “Similarly, the reuse of residual heat by businesses in the region shows that Port of Zwolle works hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs to promote sustainability.”
But there’s more to it, Oostermeijer notes: “Without robust digital infrastructure, we cannot optimize logistics chains. What we learn from one project is applied to the next. This way, we avoid reinventing the wheel every time.” By sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships, ports and businesses can better align their activities and achieve mutual benefits.

Sustainable Collaboration

Port of Zwolle has always focused strongly on cross-border collaboration, Oostermeijer explains. “As a small organization, we work across provincial boundaries; our ports in Zwolle, Kampen, and Meppel are not even in the same province.” The organization also collaborates internationally, participating in various projects under the Interreg North Sea Region program. Collaboration, Oostermeijer says, is embedded in the organization’s DNA.
Drawing lessons from the past, the goal is a future where sustainable collaboration becomes the norm. “That was the strength of the Hanseatic League and remains the way forward today.”