Three ports, one vision: Port of Zwolle driving shared prosperity

Port of Opportunities – a harbor of possibilities.

In the ports of Zwolle, Meppel, and Kampen, there is strong confidence in the ambitions of the port authority and in the growth potential that these three ports can unlock together. Port of Zwolle is not a single location, but a collaboration of three powerful hubs that together form a dynamic economic gateway in the northeast of the Netherlands.

“The name Port of Opportunities was chosen with purpose,” says managing director Jeroen van den Ende. “We believe ports are more than just logistical junctions. They are engines of opportunity—for businesses, for the region, and for society at large. Our focus is on stimulating economic growth, giving entrepreneurs space to innovate, and creating opportunities in sustainability and circularity. By doing so, we contribute to shared prosperity—ensuring that within a fifty-kilometer radius, people not only find meaningful work but also enjoy a thriving living environment.”

This vision aligns seamlessly with the rise of the Zwolle region, which in recent years has become one of the Netherlands’ leading economic hotspots. The ports play a pivotal role as a maritime and logistics hub, with strong connections to the rest of the country and far beyond.

A Connecting Force

Port of Zwolle was established fifteen years ago to accelerate the development of the ports of Zwolle, Meppel, and Kampen. “The port authority operates as an independent organization with a facilitating and connecting role,” explains Van den Ende.

“That means building networks, fostering collaboration between ports and companies, representing shared interests, and promoting strategic projects to both government and industry,” he continues. “The municipalities are the shareholders of the port authority and are responsible for investments in infrastructure.”

“While the ports are geographically distinct, they complement each other and together form a powerful economic entity,” adds Van den Ende.

Bold by Nature

Each port brings its own strengths. Meppel specializes in agri-business, containers, building materials, and shipbuilding. Kampen is home to shipbuilder Royal T Shipyards (formerly Thecla Bodewes Shipyards), a ship recycling facility, a cluster of recycling companies, and is developing new energy applications. Zwolle may have less waterfront activity, but it plays a vital role in logistics thanks to major companies such as Scania, along with feed, fuel, and construction material producers.

The three municipalities may differ politically, but they are united in a single goal: to build a strong, forward-looking port authority with the courage to act. “The conviction that collaboration creates more value than competition is deeply embedded in our organization,” emphasizes Van den Ende.

That mindset is paying off. In recent years, the ports have grown in both scale and significance. In 2024, 6.1 million tons of bulk cargo and 122,000 TEU in containers were handled. Together, the ports directly employ around 1,750 people and indirectly support some 40,000 jobs (2021 figures). Their combined added value is estimated at more than €3.5 billion (2021).

Looking ahead, Van den Ende foresees continued growth: “We want to play a leading role in building a sustainable industry. That requires long-term choices today. We are investing in circular business models, the energy transition, and digitalization. Shore power, biofuels, and the reuse of raw materials are all integral to our long-term strategy.”

Gateway to Growth

A key driver of future expansion is the widening and deepening of the Kornwerderzand lock. This will enable larger vessels to access the IJsselmeer ports, unlocking new growth potential for Port of Zwolle. Improved accessibility will also strengthen international connectivity and make waterborne transport an even more sustainable alternative to road transport.

What ties all these developments together, Van den Ende concludes, is a spirit of partnership: “What makes me most proud is how this port region has grown closer together. Companies, municipalities, provinces, and educational institutions all recognize the importance of collaboration—and the results speak for themselves.”

Port of Zwolle demonstrates how regional cooperation, combined with a strategic location and sustainable ambition, can shape the port of the future. A port that not only moves goods and raw materials, but creates opportunities for businesses, people, and society as a whole.