Above:Aerial view of the Port of Rotterdam (photo: Martens Multimedia).
Biomass is becoming a more visible dry bulk flow. Wood pellets now play a bigger role in power generation, heating and the biobased industry. This shift is clearly visible in the port of Rotterdam. It is a practical and scalable step toward a more sustainable energy system.
EUROPE’S DRY BULK AND ENERGY GATEWAY
The port of Rotterdam is one of Europe’s largest seaports and a key hub for energy and raw materials. Its location provides direct access to major industrial regions in Northwest Europe.
Energy has always been central to Rotterdam’s role. Today, that role is changing and so is the mix of energy products that flow through the port area. Existing flows are decreasing, while new energy carriers enter the system. Rotterdam’s long-term ambition is to become a climate neutral and circular port by 2050, while staying competitive as a logistics hub. Biomass perfectly fits into this transition phase.
WHY BIOMASS MATTERS IN ROTTERDAM
Biomass has become a visible and reliable dry bulk flow in Rotterdam. Large volumes of wood pellets and wood chips enter the port every year, mainly for power generation, district heating, and industrial use.
What sets Rotterdam apart is its combination of deep-sea access, a strong hinterland network and the ability to scale up volumes when demand increases. Several factors support this position, including deep-water access, experienced dry bulk terminals and strong hinterland connections.
“Biomass is a logical next step for many dry bulk terminals in Rotterdam. The infrastructure is already there. It’s about adapting it to new cargo flows and supporting the energy transition,” says Valerie Visser – Business manager Dry bulk at the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
STABLE VOLUMES IN A CHANGING DRY BULK MARKET
While total dry bulk throughput has declined due to lower coal volumes, biomass flows have remained relatively stable. Wood pellets are the main product, mainly imported from North America and Northern Europe.
DRY BULK TERMINALS ADAPTING TO BIOMASS
Rotterdam’s biomass flows are handled by a network of specialized dry bulk terminals, including:
Today, they are adapting to new cargo types with investments in covered storage, dust control and safe handling. Existing bulk infrastructure is being reused and upgraded, offering a realistic and cost-effective transition for terminal operators.
BIOMASS USE IN POWER GENERATION
Biomass is currently used in the Rotterdam port area through co firing at Uniper’s coal fired power plant at the Maasvlakte.
Beyond the port area, biomass imported via the port of Rotterdam also supplies power plants elsewhere in the Netherlands, including the Amer power plant in Geertruidenberg, which now operates fully on sustainable biomass.
Coal-fired power plants are scheduled to close by 2030 but still play a role in providing stable electricity supply. Increasing biomass use could help maintain this role in a more sustainable way. Biomass use helps reduce fossil CO2 emissions while maintaining system stability.
At present, biomass use remains limited to co-firing, but its future role depends on technological development and regulatory frameworks. For power producers, biomass offers a transitional pathway to reduce emissions from existing assets while the broader energy system continues to evolve.
FUTURE PATHS FOR BIOMASS
Looking beyond its role in power generation, biomass could evolve into a broader component of the energy and industrial system. In addition to electricity and heat production, biomass can increasingly be used as a sustainable feedstock for industry, including biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and bio-based chemicals. Through these applications, biomass contributes to the development of circular carbon value chains, in which biogenic carbon progressively replaces fossil carbon in fuels, chemicals and materials.
Driven by growing demand from both the energy sector and industry, biomass could therefore play a larger role in the future. The pace of this development will depend on technological progress, the availability of sustainable biomass and regulatory frameworks.
BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER
Despite policy discussions, biomass is increasingly viewed as a strategic flow supporting emissions reduction and energy security. Biomass shows how the port of Rotterdam is reshaping its dry bulk portfolio. The port combines scale, experience and infrastructure with a clear forward view. Not by moving away from dry bulk, but by adapting it to a changing energy landscape.
