The impact of waterborne logistics as a growth driver for Port of Zwolle

Port of Zwolle is currently developing an area vision to highlight its growth ambitions, particularly in the field of waterborne logistics. With the widening of the Kornwerderzand lock as the gateway to the broad hinterland surrounding Zwolle, the region is unlocking an enormous potential for further growth and economic prosperity. A dual interview with Jelle Weever, chairman of the Economic Board Regio Zwolle, and Jeroen van den Ende, CEO of Port of Zwolle.

Weever: "From the Economic Board, we fully support this collaborative approach. For the Kornwerderzand lock, which connects the IJsselmeer with the Wadden Sea, €375 million has already been set aside to widen the lock. The plan is to have this completed by 2030. This will make it possible to bring larger vessels inland and thus develop more logistics activity. Kornwerderzand can thereby develop into an important gateway port for the hinterland of this region. A joint, large-scale infrastructural and economic project from the region — preferably in cooperation with other provinces — makes our ambition clear. With it, we convincingly map out both the desired future developments and the necessary investments."

Leverage effect

Van den Ende explains: "The Kornwerderzand lock has been an important gateway to our region ever since the Afsluitdijk was completed in 1933 — something that was already very carefully thought through at the time. But today we sail with larger vessels and widening the lock is essential. Fortunately, our government has already committed funding for this. A wider lock also acts as a lever. Even now, we receive requests for short-sea transport towards Kampen almost every month. At present, cargo still has to be transhipped and the final leg to the end user has to come by road — an undesirable development, in my view. Think of road congestion, high diesel prices, the truck levy, and the environment. The more transport by water, the better. With a solid plan, built from mature projects with demonstrable impact, we can apply for financial support within the region, at ministries and in Europe. Sustainable logistics, multimodality and dual use — for both Defence and the business community — play an important role in this."

According to Weever, the Zwolle region can demonstrate that it contributes to strengthening, greening and connecting European infrastructure for transport, energy and digital connectivity. A European subsidy application within the forthcoming Connecting Europe Facility programme is a logical, ambitious and fitting end goal for 2028.

Water resilience

Port of Zwolle already works closely with surrounding regions and aims to achieve an important position at European level. Weever: "We have already established partnerships with Southern Denmark and the Baltic States to further shape this growth ambition — excellent destinations for short-sea transport. An important distinguishing feature of our approach is water resilience, or water management. Our knowledge of water management — in fact a distinguishing element of the Netherlands for centuries — plays a key role here. Reliable and well-navigable inland waterways are essential for further economic growth. We have the infrastructure and the knowledge to make optimal use of them for our logistics ambitions. When you talk about impact, water management is truly essential."

Weever continues: "We can show that in this water-rich region we can establish a highly efficient logistics operation from which businesses, the economy, employment and also education all benefit. Port of Zwolle's multi-year plan indicates that employment in this region alone will grow to 4,100 people by 2035." Van den Ende: "That means growth in jobs, residents and prosperity."

Knowledge and experience gained are being developed further hand in hand with educational institutions. Van den Ende: "The result is that this also has a magnetic effect on business activity. More and more companies will want to establish themselves here. In addition, good waterborne logistics also helps address traffic congestion and the associated problems that are increasingly visible across the Netherlands." A company like Scania, recently named winner of the Port of Zwolle Award, also thrives greatly on further expansion of opportunities, Weever gives as an example. "And I expect to see more growth companies of that kind."

Growth potential

After the Randstad and Eindhoven, Port of Zwolle is one of the most important growth gems the Netherlands has to offer. Weever: "There is great growth potential in this region — for companies looking to expand, for housing construction, for economic growth. We are also right on the border with Germany, a hinterland with an extraordinarily large market. The widening of the Kornwerderzand lock represents, as I said, a true lever for this growth — and that is precisely why it is an essential part of the area vision we are currently preparing." Van den Ende concludes: "We are aware that more regions will be seeking support and fishing in the CEF pot, but with the arguments we have — a widened lock, European partnerships, a very strong work ethic — we believe we can certainly make an impact. To achieve that, we need to start now. The Zwolle region is ready."